Exciting Career Opportunities in Shetland: New Food Leaders, Hospital Maintenance, and a Massive Careers Fair

New Leadership at Taste of Shetland

Akshay Jamwal and Rebekah Dalgleish have been appointed as the new project leaders of the regional food group Taste of Shetland. They will work on a job share basis, bringing a wealth of experience to the team and beginning work on an ambitious plan for the new financial year in the coming weeks.

Jamwal, born in a small town in rural India and raised on a working farm, and Dalgleish, whose first job was with her family's business Blueshell Mussels, are both passionate about Shetland's food industry. Jamwal stated, "There has never been a more exciting time for Shetland's food and drink industry," while Dalgleish added, "I'm passionate about making sure those businesses feel valued and visible."

Hospital Maintenance Work

Part of the Gilbert Bain Hospital car park will be closed from 5pm tonight (Thursday) ahead of maintenance work on the building. This closure will last until Monday, 23 February, to allow for the safe setup of a contractor's compound, which will be securely fenced and is expected to remain in place until April.

NHS Shetland has assured that no departments will be moving and disruption will be kept to a minimum, apologizing for any inconvenience while important repairs are carried out.

Careers and Opportunities Fair

The Careers and Opportunities fair is set to return for its biggest year yet next week. Over 90 exhibitors, including local employers, universities, and third-sector organizations, will attend the annual event at Clickimin in Lerwick next Tuesday.

Pupils from all local secondary schools will attend to learn about future career paths, opportunities for further studies, apprenticeships, and training. The event is also open to adults considering employment options, such as new career paths or re-training, and will run from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and again from 1:15 pm until 7 pm.

On Tuesday evening, short information sessions from 5 pm to 7 pm will be held for parents and carers to learn more about graduate apprenticeships and modern apprenticeships.

School Accreditation and Youth Fund

Anderson High School has become the first school in Shetland to be awarded a silver Reading School accreditation by the national reading charity Scottish Book Trust. Reading activities have been led by pupils in the 'The Book Dragons' group, who made displays and encouraged reading with stickers and badges.

Additionally, the Junior Up Helly Aa band has received funding from the Moniack Mhor Youth Fund to record a digital EP. The band will work over the coming months to record tunes, including the Up Helly Aa and Galley Song, with support from Shetland Arts.