From industry visits and careers fairs to employer-led workshops and community engagement, Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 saw a packed programme of activity across the region as Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland worked with schools, employers and partners to highlight the value of apprenticeships.

Throughout the week, pupils from across the Highlands experienced first-hand how apprenticeships are Working for Scotland.

At Fortrose Academy, biology students visited Uilebheist Distillery and Brewery to see science in action and learn about careers in distilling. Meanwhile, pupils at Inverness Royal Academy joined a live webinar with engineers working in Antarctica with BAM Nuttall, exploring the global opportunities available through engineering careers and apprenticeships. Students from across Inverness also came together at Bught Park Pavilion for hands-on workshops focused on engineering and construction pathways, supported by industry professionals from RYBKA, The Highland Council, Fairhurst, RI Cruden Ltd, and Morrison Construction.

Across the week, young people engaged directly with employers and training providers to explore their future options. At Nairn Academy and Fortrose Academy, pupils took part in a “FutureReady: Apprenticeships” event with employers including RI Cruden, West Fraser and Balfour Beatty. The interactive format allowed students to rotate between tables exploring topics such as interview skills, apprenticeship pathways and career progression. Tourism students from Fortrose Academy also visited Inverness Castle Experience to learn about opportunities in the travel and tourism sector.

Apprenticeships were also front and centre at events designed to connect employers directly with young people. Alness Academy hosted an Apprenticeship Fayre in partnership with Skills Development Scotland, while Inverness Royal Academy welcomed employers to a sports and fitness careers fair showcasing pathways into the sector.

Out in the community, the DYWICH team joined partners at a Scottish Apprenticeship Week information stand at a My World of Work event in the Victorian Market Inverness, speaking with young people, parents and local businesses about the benefits of apprenticeships.

Alongside activity in schools and communities, DYWICH used its social channels to highlight apprenticeship opportunities, celebrate employer partners and encourage businesses to share their stories during the week.

Liz Fletcher, Programme Manager at DYW Inverness & Central Highland, said,

“Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how apprenticeships are working for Scotland – and here in the Highlands we see that impact every day. By bringing employers into schools and connecting young people with real career pathways, we are helping businesses develop the skilled workforce they need while giving young people the chance to earn, learn and build rewarding careers.”

As Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2026 comes to a close, the message remains clear: apprenticeships are helping to build stronger businesses, stronger communities and a stronger future workforce for the Highlands.