Hillcrest supports Career Ready launch event in Dundee

Last week staff from across Hillcrest proudly attended the Career Ready launch event at the Invercarse Hotel in Dundee. The event was an opportunity for our mentors to meet their young mentees and fellow mentors, get to know them and discuss their hopes and aspirations for the next two years.

The Career Ready programme connects young people with employers and mentors to develop workplace skills, confidence and help them prepare for their future careers.

Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Further and Higher Education opened the event with reflections on his early career and words of encouragement. Attendees also heard from Career Ready alumni Aizah from Harris Academy and Andrew McFarlane from Aviva, who shared how the programme transformed their personal and professional journeys.

Hillcrest mentors Fiona Morrison, Robyn Rae and Tracey McKay met their mentees, collaborated on activities and shared their enthusiasm for supporting young people.

Fiona Morrison, Hillcrest Deputy Chief Executive commented: “This is my first time being a Career Ready mentor. I felt nervous and excited at the same time! I really hope I can make a positive impact as my mentee starts on the road to, what I am sure will be, a very successful career.  It was great to meet all the mentees and fellow mentors at the launch event, everyone is filled with enthusiasm!”

Robyn Rae, Hillcrest Customer Complaints Officer added: “Hearing from former Career Ready students on how they have progressed in their career and studies has solidified the reason I wanted to become involved in this project. I feel honoured to be a mentor and am excited to start supporting my young person to help them achieve their goals.”

Tracey McKay, Hillcrest Finance Coordinator said: “I’m excited to be part of a young person’s journey into the world of work.”

Executive Director of Children and Families at Dundee City Council, Audrey May, closed the event by sharing her hopes for this year’s mentors and mentees reflecting on past experiences and pledging her commitment to the programme.

Everyone left the event feeling uplifted and ready to take on the challenge. We look forward to welcoming the mentees to Hillcrest in summer 2025 to complete their internship.

For more information about Career Ready, visit Career Ready Scotland.