Apprentices Rowan Henderson (Nairn Academy) and Rachael Hatfield (Inverness) join Highland Council CEX Steve Barron, Council Convener Bill Lobban and Council Leader Margaret Davidson for the day.
The 12th Highland Youth Parliament Apprentice Day is being held today Tuesday, 20th March.
Highland Youth Parliament, the elected Youth Parliament for the Highlands, holds an annual ‘Apprentice Day’ which allows members of HYP shadow Senior Managers and Elected Members across public sector services.
The aim of the Apprentice Day is for services to gauge young people’s views of their service and for services to become more aware of Highland Youth Parliament and young peoples’ views. It also provides an opportunity to give young people a better understanding of the services provided for them and how services impact on and consult with young people.
There will be 26 young people from across Highland ‘shadowing’ 29 representatives from High Life Highland, The Highland Council, NHS Highland, Police Scotland, Fire and Rescue Service Scotland, the University of the Highlands and Islands, Scottish Natural Heritage, HM Prison Service and Highland Third Sector Interface are getting involved this year.
Officials met their Apprentices at the start of their day and will be accompanied by the young people in a range of meetings and business activities in and around Inverness. The day will conclude with a more informal discussion reflecting on the day.
Convenor of The Highland Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: “Apprentice Day is a successful established annual event which I am delighted to take part in. Not only is it rewarding for the young apprentices that participate but it is uplifting for the adults who act as mentors. Young people are the future managers, workers and politicians that will shape our public services and it is up to us to inspire them to take up this challenge. I wish all the young people taking part a successful and productive day.”
Highland Youth Parliament Chair, Joanna Shillaker commented:
“Apprentice Day is a great opportunity for young people to gain insight into how services in Highland operate. In the Year of Young People, it also gives the apprentices, young people, the opportunity to raise their voices on what they like about services and how they can be improved and connect more with young people.
I’m sure the day will also inspire young people about their future careers. I am looking forward to shadowing the HM Prison Governor, Stephen Coyle to find out what happens in a prison and how prisoners are supported. I hope everyone has a great day!”
