Alford Academy

The BECTU Vision Roadshow is here to help.
Do you know anybody looking to get into film & tv? We’re touring Scotland in May and June with our free to attend events which will be sharing insight on:

• What roles exist within a film crew
• What it’s like to work on a film/television drama production
• How crews are hired and what employers are looking for
• Practical signposts for support available to help with your next steps

Each fun and informal Roadshow consists of a 1-hour presentation followed by an opportunity for coffee and a mingle where we’ll have industry professionals on-hand to share their experience and advice.

Attendees will be the first to find out about a range of exciting opportunities coming up in 2023, which includes our flagship training course Hit the Ground Running, monthly sessions and networking events.

Book ticket via the links below:

⭐ Aberdeen: Tuesday 30 May 2023, 18:00, Aberdeen Arts Centre

⭐ Inverness: Thursday 1 June 2023, 17:30, Eden Court

⭐ Dumfries: Tuesday 6 June 2023, 19:30, Robert Burns Centre

⭐ Dundee: Monday 12 June 2023, 18:00, Dundee Contemporary Arts

⭐ Glasgow: Thursday 22 June 2023, 17:00 , Grosvenor Picture Theatre

⭐ Edinburgh: Tuesday 27 June 2023, 18:00, Grassmarket Community Project 

We welcome all ages to the Roadshow. Under 16s need to be accompanied by an adult. All venues are fully wheelchair accessible. We offer BSL interpretation on request via vision@bectu.org.uk

Don’t forget to discover current job vacancies and opportunities for young people across the North East through the following websites –

Alford Academy hosted an employer-led Land-Based Careers morning for S1 pupils arranged and facilitated by Countryside Learning Scotland.  The aims of the event were to introduce pupils to the diversity of rural careers, at all levels by hearing from those who work in rural industries. S1 pupils were split into four groups and they rotated around the different employers for 8 minute interactive inputs.

A Nature Reserve Officer from Nature Scot who works at Forvie Nature Reserve talked about the geography of the reserve and the different elements of his role which he split into three broad categories; 1.  Maintaining the fabric of the reserve.  2. A Field Biologist / scientist recording and identifying the wildlife and 3.  Protecting the nesting birds from predators through electric fences.  He allowed the pupils to handle and ask questions about the vital equipment he uses day to day to carry out his job.

Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups are a collection of sporting estates from across the six regions of Scotland.  Grampian Moorland Group brought along a gamekeeper who talked about all the different activities he is involved in day to day and how he had been inspired to follow a Land-Based career.  Grampian Moorland Group discussed the variety of careers available within the rural estates.  This included conservation of rare heather moorland and the wildlife which lives there.Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) went through some of the 61 courses they currently offer from Agriculture, Environmental Conservation, Animal Nursing, Equine Studies to many more.  SRUC offer Modern Apprenticeships where the courses are between 12-24 months and are assessed through on-the-job activities rather than sitting exams.  The pupils were able to see and hear about real life equipment that is used in Equine Studies course.

James Jones & Sons Ltd explained the process of growing and harvesting trees.  They discussed what careers were available from tree planting, building Fencing, building forest roads, architects, engineers, truck drivers and the apprenticeship opportunities.  They talked to pupils about the environmental importance their forests play in capturing carbon. 

The S1 pupils thoroughly enjoyed the event and got a lot from being able to handle equipment and engage with people who currently work in Land – Based jobs.      Alford Academy would like to thank Countryside Learning Scotland, Nature Scot, Grampian Moorland Group, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and James Jones & Sons Ltd for being part of this really invaluable opportunity for S1s to learn more about the rural careers landscape.

Alford Academy Travel and Tourism S4, S5 and S6 pupils visited the Port of Aberdeen and NorthLink Ferries today to learn more about the travel and tourism sector and the career opportunities available.

The pupils started the day with a unique experience of being invited to climb aboard a NorthLink Ferry and have a behind the scenes look at the huge amount of logistics that go into the smooth running of the company’s operations.  Pupils met with the Captain in the bridge who explained his role,  the different routes into his profession and the career path he had taken.

The young people met a variety of NorthLink Ferry staff members from the Customer Services Manager, Hospitality Director, a Chef and an Engineer, who all took time out of their busy day jobs to give fantastic insights into the wide-ranging careers available at NorthLink Ferries and within their sector.   Pupils were able to sample first hand the comfort of the sleeping pods and have a look at the cabins on offer to passengers.

The pupils then travelled to the Port of Aberdeen South Harbour expansion where the Geo Environmental Project Manager gave an explanation of the development and construction of the South Harbour.  The Visitor Centre Coordinator outlined the important role the Port of Aberdeen plays in attracting tourists to the area through the cruise liners.  They both covered the wide-ranging careers available at the Port of Aberdeen.

It was fantastic for the pupils to see the harbour from such an amazing vantage point and understand how it is such an integral part of the infrastructure for the North East of Scotland.  A pod of Dolphins also made an appearance which was an added bonus!

Thank you so much for NorthLink Ferries and the Port of Aberdeen for providing such interesting and invaluable insights into the tourism sector.