Young people in Inverness and East Highland who would like to find a forward path in their lives are being invited to take part in workshops organised by Careers Scotland.

The workshops, called 4Ward 4 Me, will take place at the Alness Bowling Club on Monday 12 March and at the Kingsview Christian Centre on Wednesday 14 March.

The events will begin with John Sinclair of Motivation Through Music talking about his career as a keyboard player with Ozzy Osbourne, the challenges he has had to overcome, including addiction to drink and drugs, and the new challenges he faces in setting up his new business.

Activities will also include sessions with Steve Sharpe of Happiness Drum Circles who teaches African drumming as well as group percussions.  He uses rhythm as a medium for people to exchange views and feelings and will invite young people to voice their fears and identify their obstacles and offer positive suggestions for moving forward. 

A hip hop workshop will be co-ordinated by Jenni Macrae who does a great deal of work with disengaged young people in Moray.  Motivation and positive attitudes are the key to Jenni's workshop, encouraging the participants to take control and have a go at new challenges.

This event is ideally suited for young people who need to boost their self awareness and motivation to help them take the next step forward in their lives.

Heather Muir, Careers Scotland senior adviser, said:  "These events are for anyone who has left school or about to leave school but has no definite plans or may seem lost about their future.  They may be in training through Get Ready for Work but may be finding it hard to make the most of the opportunities being offered to them.  They may be unemployed and losing motivation.  4Ward 4 Me aims to provide an intense burst of motivation to help the young people have a clearer goal and an incentive to move forward."

Careers Scotland staff will be available to work with the young people on the day too, to help them plan the way forward.

The events will begin at 9:45am until 2:45pm at each location and anyone who is interested in participating should contact Shirley Stephenson on 01349 855249.