CDI Scotland Student Conference

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

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

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.  

2026 Agenda

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

Option 1: Dementia and women’s career development
Rachel Allen

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, Skills Development Scotland, Valerie Rowles, Natalie Freeman and Stephanie Kenyon
12:30-13:30
Lunch break
13:30-14:15
Keynote 2: Decent work
Ishbel McWha Hermann
14:15-15:00
Keynote 3: Calling
Gill Frigerio, Associate Professor, Chair of NICEC, University of Warwick
15:30-15:45
Close

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