How DYW Supports a Sustainable Future

In March this year, DYW launched the My Climate Path programme nationally. The programme aims to educate young people on the types of skills required for jobs of the future, alongside roles which will encourage sustainable economic growth in a circular and net zero economy. There are multiple ways in which employers can get involved in the programme; through Climate Heroes or My Fashion Path. In this article, we hear from employers and pupils about their My Climate Path experiences. 

Climate Heroes 
Employers can nominate an expert from their business/organisation to partner up with a local school. Through this partnership, the Climate Hero educates young people on career pathways and skills in the green economy. Becoming a Climate Hero requires the commitment to deliver at least one session per school term, alongside one five-day work placement. Let’s hear from a couple of our Climate Heroes from the Glasgow and Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian regions: ​

photo features Sam Shaw from Raeburn Farquhar Bowen Landscape Architecture

Michael Dougall: Architect/Director at O’DonnellBrown
Paired with: Abercorn High School
Facilitated by: DYW Glasgow
“The climate emergency can be a cause for anxiety amongst many young people. However, the climate hero programme has provided the opportunity for us to engage with young people on environmental matters in a positive way. We enjoyed hosting workshops with the pupils at Abercorn School which focused on the role and responsibility that an architect has in the race to net zero and importantly that collaboration is required to find the best solutions. 

During the workshops, we invited the pupils to review and interrogate their immediate surroundings and consider what measures could be introduced to create ‘My Sustainable Abercorn’. Workshops were themed under the headings of Retrofit, Energy Demand, and Biodiversity and a range of models, gadgets, and experiments were used to help the pupils understand and visualise the changes that are needed across the built environment to tackle climate change.”  

Moray Donn: Junior Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend
Paired with: Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh
Facilitated By: DYW Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian
“Our session looked at the work Turner & Townsend have been doing as an example of future career opportunities, as well as learning about the circular economy. We explored three waste streams including plastic E-waste and fast fashion, how they’re impacting the planet and what we can do about them as consumers. I had a great time interacting with the students and it was great to see some possible future sustainability professionals in the room.” 

It is wonderful to read about the various approaches used by our Climate Heroes. Both Moray and Michael adapted their sessions to match their own industry expertise. Could your business or organisation do the same?

My Fashion Path
In a world of fast fashion, My Fashion Path aims to increase awareness of the need for sustainability in the fashion industry. Larbert High School (DYW Forth Valley region) delivered the My Fashion Path programme over a six-month period, where twenty S1-S3 students attended weekly sessions which included insight from industry professionals in bridal, millinery, 3rd sector retail and contemporary accessory design. 
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Throughout the programme, pupils attended various workshops and master classes. Activities included learning how to use sewing machines and repurposing old materials into tote bags. Pupils also created a kimono for a design competition at Dumfries House which won first place! Their successful competition entry speaks volumes on how well the My Fashion Path programme was received.

We would like to say well done to all pupils involved in the My Fashion Path programme, not only for their successful competition entry, but also for their enthusiasm and willingness to learn as highlighted by employers:

Nancy Paxton - Lecturer in Fashion, Design and Millinery
“I was delighted to deliver workshops to Larbert High school pupils. I spoke to them about my own experiences of the fashion industry; from a lecturer at Glasgow Kelvin College, visiting trade shows in Paris and London, supporting students to create and display their own garments and gaining valuable knowledge and skills from some of the top names in Millinery around the world...
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The pupils showed real interest in the demonstrations and practical activities (which are advantageous to pupils considering a career in the fashion or retail industries as they truly are fundamental in the preservation of not only the planet but also these highly skilled trades)."

Future Textiles - Dumfries House
“Our Programme at Future Textiles was initiated to inspire young people to take a creative career pathway with a focus on textiles and technical sewing. Our workshops also focus on sustainable practice and utilise fabric waste. By welcoming your group this allowed us to develop their skills set to enhance what they currently do at school”

We would like to thank Nancy Paxton from Glasgow Kelvin College and the team at Future Textiles for taking time to inspire young people. It is evident that pupils enjoyed the session and learned a lot:

Pupil Feedback
"In a world that is full of constant waste and fast fashion I think that being able to understand how sustainability and clothing works is a massive asset. Making different things out of something that would've been thrown away is something that we should be able to do...”
Ekua – S3 pupil

"Before going to Dumfries House I found using a sewing machine to be hard and difficult but after going and making our own bags I became more confident... After all of this I have become more aware of all the job opportunities that surround the fashion and textiles industry”
Tailor – S3 pupil

“I’m hoping to use these skills as I goup the school and in N5 Art. I wouldalso like to go into the Fashion and textiles industry when I leave school"
Anna - S1

“I have learned to be more confident in my sewing skills and know more about all the different materials in the clothes we wear and how to make more sustainable choices.”- Ellie - S1

We are glad that pupils enjoyed learning about sustainable fashion, and hope they feel inspired to continue their fashion and textiles journeys. 

Thank you for reading this article. If you enjoyed it, you can read more DYW-related news and stories here.  Make sure you follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep updated on all the ways in which we are Developing the Young Workforce.