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Meet Ben Mackay, DYW School Coordinator at Inverness Royal Academy

7 October 2024

Ben DYW Profile 600 x 400 px

Introducing Ben Mackay
Ben Mackay has been in the workforce since the age of 13, starting out as a pot washer and working his way through a variety of roles. Now, with over 20 years of experience under his belt, he’s spent much of his career in the Sport and Leisure industries and even ran his own businesses for eight years. In his spare time, Ben enjoys woodworking and spending quality time with his daughter, who keeps him on his toes! His hands-on approach to life and work has given him a unique perspective on how to inspire young people to take ownership of their future careers.

What Ben Enjoys Most About Being a DYW School Coordinator
As a DYW School Coordinator, Ben gets great satisfaction in seeing young people interact with professionals and engage with careers that grab their interest. Seeing their excitement and enthusiasm for the future is what drives him in his role. Ben thrives on helping students discover the many opportunities available to them after school and guiding them as they explore various industries. For him, connecting young people with potential employers is one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.

Looking Forward to the New Academic Year
This academic year, Ben is particularly excited about the upcoming Creative Careers Workshop Day. This event will showcase the wide range of creative careers available right here in the Highlands, offering students the chance to meet industry professionals and gain insights into the creative sector. He’s looking forward to providing students with real-world examples of the careers they can pursue, helping them realise that there are numerous pathways to success, especially in the creative industries.

Ben’s Journey: #NoWrongPath
Ben’s journey into the workforce wasn’t a straight line. After leaving school at 18, he didn’t have a clear idea of what he wanted to do. However, knowing what he didn’t want to pursue helped him steer his course. His varied experiences in sport, leisure, and entrepreneurship have taught him the importance of building relationships and making connections. Ben firmly believes that no matter what industry you’re in, these skills are invaluable. His story is a perfect example of the #NoWrongPath message, showing that there are many routes to success.

Advice for His Younger Self
When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, Ben’s response is simple: "Pick up a trade!" While he values the experiences he’s had, he sees the importance of having a tangible skill that can serve as a solid foundation for a career. His advice to young people is to explore all their options, whether through formal education, vocational training, or on-the-job experience, and to make the most of the opportunities that come their way.

Ben’s commitment to helping students find their path and his own rich career journey make him an inspiring figure for young people at Inverness Royal Academy. Through his work, he’s dedicated to showing students that no matter where they start, they can find their own unique way into the world of work.

Contact Ben today…

…if you’d like to explore DYW opportunities connected with Inverness Royal Academy then please get in touch with Ben at ben.mackay@dywich.co.uk

Or visit our DYW Inverness & Central Highland - What's on - get involved (padlet.com) platform to get a full picture of our programme of activity across our 14 secondary schools and get in touch today to find out more!