Choose to lead with the High Life Highland Youth Leadership Programme
The High Life Highland Lead Youth Leadership Programme offers young people aged 12–25 the chance to build confidence, develop leadership skills and make a positive impact in their communities. Open to participants across every area of the Highlands, the programme helps young people grow through hands‑on experience, training, nationally recognised awards and exciting deployment opportunities.
Our dedicated HLH mentors support every young leader through their journey—helping them discover what they’re capable of, gain valuable life skills, and take on opportunities that inspire them to lead, contribute, and make a difference.
Why join the Youth Leadership Programme?
- Develop real leadership skills and confidence
- Gain experience across multiple HLH services
- Earn nationally recognised awards and qualifications
- Build friendships, networks and a sense of belonging
- Make a positive impact in your community
- Work towards your Leadership Hoodie (yes—the Hoodie!)
Hoodie and award milestones
Young Leaders work through a clear, supportive structure designed to help them build experience and achieve their Leadership Hoodie. Each hoodie colour represents a different stage of the journey, celebrating progress and recognising achievements.
Deployment Opportunities
Young Leaders can take part in leadership roles across a wide range of HLH services, gaining real experience in areas that match their interests:
- Archives
- Botanic Gardens
- Countryside Rangers
- Dance
- Sport
- Play
- Leisure
- Museums
- Music
- Youth Work
There are also opportunities to volunteer with partner organisations such as:
- Highland Hospice
- Cash for Kids
- Mikeysline
Plus, the programme supports intergenerational projects, building connections between young people and older adults through shared activities and community engagement.
Awards
Young Leaders can gain recognised awards including:
- Choose to Lead Awards
- Saltire Awards
These achievements are ideal for college, UCAS, CVs and future employment.
Training opportunities
The programme offers structured training designed to help young people move into other HLH pathways, including:
- Leadership to Leisure
- Leadership to Lifeguard
These opportunities build practical skills and open doors to further qualifications or employment.
Primary School programme – Junior Leaders Awards
Younger pupils can start their leadership journey through the Junior Leaders Awards, designed for primary-aged children. The awards introduce teamwork, responsibility and confidence-building in a fun and engaging way.
Get involved
Find us on Facebook to see the latest updates from the Youth Leadership Programme, or for questions about the programme or how to get started, contact Elizabeth McDonald at elizabeth.mcdonald@highlifehighland.com
Lead. Inspire. Make a difference.
There's no cost to apply - start your leadership journey today!
