DofE, Skills for Life and Work Event Inspires Young People Across Scotland

On 26 March, we hosted our DofE Skills for Life and Work Event at the John McIntyre Conference Centre in Edinburgh. The event was designed to help young people explore and develop the skills that can ensure there are no limits to what they can achieve in the workplace and beyond.

Four attendees pose in front of a blue Youth Without Limits and DofE Scotland backdrop, holding a large photo-frame prop branded with “#YouthWithoutLimits.” One attendee also holds a Youth Without Limits sign. All four wear event lanyards and stand within the frame for a group photo at the event.

Smile 🙂

The day was hosted by our fantastic DofE Youth Ambassadors, Clara and Maisie, who welcomed almost 100 attendees to this unique event. Participants had the opportunity to hear from employers, take part in hands-on workshops, and connect with professionals from a range of sectors across Scotland.

A large audience sits at round tables in a conference hall, facing a stage with two presenters. Two large screens display a slide introducing “Our Hosts Ciara & Maisie” with DofE and Youth Without Limits branding. DofE Scotland banners stand on either side of the stage, and attendees watch the event from across the room.

Hosts – Maisie and Clara

Clara and Maisie opened the event by introducing Helen Anderson, Director of DofE Scotland, who set the tone for the day with an inspiring message: “Today is all about you – the young people in this room, and the incredible skills you’re building through your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. What we want you to understand today is this: you already have talent, skills and potential, and the DofE is helping you discover even more.”

A speaker stands at a DofE-branded podium addressing an audience in a conference hall. A large screen behind the podium displays a presentation slide reading “Helen Anderson, Director, DofE Scotland,” alongside a photo of the speaker at the lectern. Attendees are seated facing the stage, listening to the presentation.

DofE Director for Scotland – Helen Anderson

Our keynote speaker was Chris van der Kuyl CBE, co-founder of 4J Studios and a long-standing champion of young people and entrepreneurship in Scotland. Chris, who also helped establish Entrepreneurial Scotland, spoke about the future of work, the skills that will be in demand, and the important role DofE can play in helping young people prepare for their future careers.

Three event attendees pose in front of a blue Youth Without Limits and DofE-branded backdrop, holding oversized hashtag props reading “#LinkedInLegend,” “#DofE,” “#HireMeDofE,” and “#GoalDigger.” All three wear event lanyards and stand in the event photo area, with Youth Without Limits and DofE logos visible behind them.

Maisie, Clara and Chris

Throughout the day, participants took part in a series of Industry Insight workshops delivered by Johnstons of Elgin, Leonardo, The DataKirk, Passion4Fusion and The Army. These interactive sessions gave attendees the chance to explore different career paths, develop new skills, and gain valuable insight into a variety of industries.

A workshop facilitator stands at the front of a room delivering an interactive session to a group of young people and adults gathered in a circle. Some participants are seated while others stand around the room, facing the facilitator. A table with materials, a display screen and a clothing rack are visible, suggesting a hands-on careers or skills-based workshop.

Workshop – Johnstons of Elgin

Representatives from several of these organisations also joined two engaging and thought-provoking panel discussions. The first panel, The Power of DofE, was hosted by Maisie and explored how the Award helps young people develop confidence, resilience and essential life skills, and why those qualities are so valuable in education, employment and everyday life.

Participants take part in a team-building workshop, arranging wooden planks on the floor as part of a practical challenge. One participant in military uniform kneels alongside another participant to position the pieces, while several others stand and watch around the room. Chairs are arranged in a circle, and the activity takes place in a bright meeting room with large windows.

Workshop – The Army

The second panel, Future Jobs and Skills, hosted by Clara, gave attendees the opportunity to hear directly from employers about the skills they value most, emerging opportunities within Scotland’s workforce, and what they look for in young people starting their careers.

Audience seated at round tables watching a panel discussion at a conference. Five speakers sit on stage beneath two large screens displaying a slide titled “Future Jobs and Skills – Panel Discussion,” alongside an image of a person using a virtual reality headset. DofE Scotland and Youth Without Limits branding is visible on the screens and event banners.

Future Jobs and Skills Panel

The event was filled with new ideas, meaningful conversations and inspiring experiences, helping participants build confidence and gain a deeper understanding of the skills they are developing through their DofE journey.

Participants work together at a table during a hands-on technology workshop. A laptop, electronic components, wires and printed instructions are spread across the table as one participant leans over to assist others with the activity. Additional groups can be seen collaborating in the background of the workshop room.

Workshop – Leonardo

Helen captured the spirit of the day perfectly in her closing remarks: “I’d like each of you to take one thing away with you: You are more capable than you think. You have more skills than you realise. And your DofE journey is giving you the tools to build a future that is truly your own.”

Three young attendees pose in front of a blue Youth Without Limits and DofE-branded backdrop, holding large signs that read “Youth Without Limits” and “#DofE.” All three wear event lanyards and stand in the event photo area, with Youth Without Limits and DofE logos visible throughout the background.

DofE Participants

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DofE, Skills for Life and Work Event Inspires Young People Across Scotland

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