Inverness College UHI student takes home top prize for designs tackling youth unemployment
An Inverness College UHI student will use their creative talent to help tackle youth unemployment and migration in the Highlands after winning a design competition set by a local employability group.
Gary Miller (30), from Conon Bridge, a third-year visual communication and design student, researched and developed a brand for Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Inverness and Central Highland to use throughout its 2018 Year of Young People programme.
Gary was selected as winner by a panel of judges, pictured below, which included the Principal of Inverness College UHI, Chris O’Neil, the Inverness President of the Highlands and Islands Student Association, Gabbi Starr, and Andy Maxtone and Eilidh Edgar from DYW. Louise Darnley from local design and marketing agency Dynam, also provided an expert insight, and as part of the prize package, will be providing an invaluable work placement with her firm. The prize also includes £500 cash.
Gary was praised for the solid research base he developed for his idea, as well as its versatility and clear visual impact. The runners up were Saga Mackenzie (40) from Inverness City Centre, and Anya Martin (21), from Balloch.
Speaking of his win, Gary said: “I found the brief for this project really motivating, especially given that the Highlands are already doing great work in this area – in fact, youth unemployment is lower here than in many other regions of Scotland. For that reason, my focus was on being inclusive, and making sure that everyone is aware of the opportunities available, whatever their background. I am so pleased to have won and I cannot wait to develop my ideas further with the team at Dynam. Industry experience is so important, so this will really help me build experience and develop my CV.”
Chris O’Neil added: “Our links with industry are an essential part of the curriculum and this has been an amazing project for our students to be involved in, not only because of its scale but the impact it will have on young people across the Highlands. Youth unemployment and migration is something these students can relate to and they’ve really embraced this challenge. Design is now a major part of all businesses and by carrying out thorough research, being innovative and entrepreneurial, designing for the future, and putting people at the heart, they’ve created some really thought-provoking, creative designs for DYW.”
Louise Darnley, Senior Designer at Dynam, will now work with Gary to bring his ideas to life. She said: “It’s great for Dynam to be involved in this project, and it’s an excellent opportunity for a young designer to bring a winning idea into a professional environment. Working alongside skilled people in different marketing disciplines, they can experience at first-hand the developmental processes that take it from creative concept through to finished marketing collateral.
“We have a long track record of working with young people interested in pursuing a career in design and marketing. The agency gives all its work experience and intern candidates a real taste of the disciplines required to produce great work – and the opportunities that exist within the wider profession.”
Gary’s lecturer, Rachel Burgess, also added: “This project has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to be involved in and have a voice in a contemporary and local campaign, which will benefit young people far into the future. Linking the ‘Highland Youth Invasion’ branding with their degree module allowed the students to thoroughly investigate the issue and use future orientated design techniques to produce their concepts; giving them the experience of seeing a project fulfilled and the DYW a creative durable design solution. Our courses have an emphasis on employability and we work hard to facilitate industry partnerships and collaborations and encourage the entrepreneurism and creativity valued in today’s job market.”
Launched formally by the Scottish Government in 2016, the DYW programme has been tasked with ensuring local young people have the skills and confidence they need to make a seamless transition from education to employment by building better and more proactive links between pupils, parents, schools and employers.
Commenting on the design project, Andy Maxtone, programme manager for DYW Inverness and Central Highland, said: “The whole process has been an insightful journey from start to finish, and we’ve been left consistently impressed with the level of research, creativity and talent displayed throughout.
“Gary’s concept not only appeals visually, but is born out of deep-rooted insights and an understanding of our role in promoting Scotland’s youth employment strategy, while also reflecting the themes surrounding Scotland’s Year of Young People.
“The concept is cleverly designed to engage young people, their parents and employers – the three groups we are targeting with activity this year. Now we’re looking forward to seeing the designs come to life!”