SPOTLIGHT ON CANON UK

When we think of Canon we think of cameras right? Well, Canon UK have been working with DYW Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian and our thoughts have broadened to think of employability, skills and investment in young people. 

Canon UK has partnered with DYW to invest in the skills of young people in our region, it’s great to have them as a reliable and supportive partner of all things DYW.  Focusing initially on East Lothian then broadening offers out to include Midlothian and Edinburgh schools has meant the young people in our region have been informed and inspired by Canon’s engagement and partnerships.

The Canon employability programme, the catalyst for DYW engagement, has given young people in East Lothian the opportunity to develop skills for employment over the 13 week programme.  The masterclasses aim to inspire and empower students with insights into the world of work and the experience of working with an international technology brand.
                                     
The skills masterclasses took place over a thirteen-week Employability Programme, where pupils attended seminars run by Canon UK’s Managing Director, Stephen Bates and Canon’s wider Human Resources and Sustainability team. Over this period, Canon taught students how to refine transferable employability skills to prepare for the world of work, with CV presentations, job interview preparation and lessons on leveraging social media to showcase themselves to prospective employers.

The programme also saw the launch of ‘Knox Idol’, a competition where teams of students presented the ‘School of the Future’ to Stephen Bates and Angela Leitch, East Lothian Council’s Chief Executive. The winning team recognised the need for improved accessibility and monitoring, through developing multiple apps that links pupils to online coursework, monitor performance and help parents see how their children are doing. They were awarded a tour of Canon UK’s HQ, additional onsite training. Knox Idol is now becoming an annual event.

Among many other activities Canon UK have also been involved in delivering workshops on social media and online brand and young people have been inspired by visiting Canon Medical to find out about AI and the use of technology in the world of work. Alongside this Canon are committed to working with education on improving the use of technology and influencing the curriculum as part of our influence partnership groups. 

So what is Kyosei?  Quoted as "Living and working together for the common good” When we think of DYW and the power of employers and education working together the Japanese philosophy of Kyosei really does align well.

Purely as food for thought I also wanted highlight another Japanese Philosophy I was interested to learn more about at a recent event with Canon “ikigai” a concept that means "a reason for being." I was particularly interested to see the image for this balance the need for consideration on what you love, what you are good at, what you can get paid for and what the world needs.  Perhaps a great way to start and think about careers.  

Thank you, Canon UK, it’s great to have you on board with DYW and long may it continue!
 
‘Canon in Scotland are extremely proud of our partnership with DYW and the region it supports and in particularly making a difference to the young people as they prepare for the world of work. Working with DYW as a strategic partner allows us to demonstrate are core philosophy of Kyosei and supports the objectives of the Scottish Government to best prepare the work force of the future with transferrable and digital skills.

Canon is a progressive organisation which sees young people as the future to our growth and sustainability, to share our experience as a world brand in digital technology is a pleasure and we look forward to further supporting the positive destinations of Scotland young people.
As we move forward we see the exciting opportunity of further supporting the DYW program with our Canon Medical Group who are based in Edinburgh. At Canon Medical Research Europe, we take great pride in our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and strive to make a positive impact in the communities where we work and live. 

We participate in many activities as part of STEMNET (the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network) a UK-wide programme which “creates opportunities to inspire young people in STEM an important element of their learning and development.
​​
Canon is committed to making a difference to the young people of Scotland and looks forward exploring new and innovative ways of support Developing the Young Workforce Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian Regional Group.’

Max Sykes, Canon UK Account Director - Scottish Procurement Framework