CDI Scotland Student Conference

Wednesday 25 February 2026 | 10:30 am - 3:45 pm | Online event 
Theme: Giving meaning in careers

The CDI Scotland Student Conference, delivered in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland and Edinburgh Napier University, brought together postgraduates who are training to become career development practitioners with academics and professionals in the field. It offered a unique opportunity to explore the vital links between research and practice. The theme for this year was 'giving meaning in careers'.

Keynote speakers

We were delighted to welcome the following keynote speakers to the Scotland Student Conference. 


2026 Agenda

10:30
Welcome and introduction
10:45-11:30Keynote 1: Careers work for Scots Gaelic Education 
Emma Bolger, Associate Lecturer, The Open University 
11:30-12:00
Parallel workshops 1 (Choice of one from two)

Option 1: Dementia and women’s career development
Rachel Allen, University of the West of Scotland

Option 2: Gender and apprenticeships
Maria Cecil
12:00-12:30
Parallel workshops 2: (Choice of one from three) 

Option 1: Women's health and retirement
Laura Calder 

Option 2: The feminisation of the medical profession
Susie Agnew, Careers Adviser, The Career Place

Option 3: Small-scale practitioner research: How everyday inquiry can strengthen your practice
Gemma Smith, Careers Adviser, Skills Development Scotland, Valerie Rowles, Independent Career Development Professional, Natalie Freeman and Stephanie Kenyon, Careers and Education Adviser for Youth Futures, Lancashire County Council. 
12:30-13:30
Lunch break
13:30-14:15
Keynote 2: Decent work
Ishbel McWha Hermann, Professor, University of Edinburgh
14:15-15:00
Keynote 3: A sense of calling: Career heaven or no earthly use?
Gill Frigerio, Associate Professor, Chair of NICEC, University of Warwick
15:30-15:45
Close

Why attend?

The event builds on and amalgamates the CDI Student Conference Scotland and the UWS/ENU Research Symposium and offers a broad CPD opportunity for select practitioners in the sector in Scotland.  

Audience

  • Full and part-time students undertaking the Post Graduate Diploma In Career Guidance and Development /Qualification in Career. Development at Edinburgh Napier University and the University of the West of Scotland
  • Selected staff from Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
  • Invitees from across the sector in Scotland

There are a maximum of 80 places for this event.

Cost

The event is free for QCD students, select SDS staff and CDI members in Scotland. Please note: If you are fully qualified and work for Skills Development Scotland please check with your employer before booking.  

Having any trouble?

Having any trouble?

Do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime.

01384 376464