An enterprising group from South Ayrshire's secondary schools have taken their first steps into the world of work. 70 young people have successfully completed the Council's 'Work Out!' programme, which provides year-long practical work placements and is a key part of South Ayrshire Council's commitment to the Scottish Government's Developing the Young Workforce agenda.
Participants from all eight Council secondary schools and Southcraig School were officially acknowledged at a ceremony at The Princess Royal Suite at Ayr Racecourse. Now in its seventh year 'Work Out!' provides students, from S4 to S6, with the opportunity to experience the world of work and develop practical skills across a range of occupations.
Key to the success of 'Work Out!' is the partnership between the Council and the local business community. Students take part in work placements for one day a week throughout the academic year, with placements available across a range of service areas in the council, community planning partners such as NHS Ayrshire and Arran and the University of the West of Scotland, as well as with local businesses. This extended work placement programme has been designed to help develop participants' confidence, communication, and employability skills.
Valerie Andrews, South Ayrshire Council's Executive Director of Resources, Governance and Organisation, said the experience would be invaluable, "We're committed to providing our young people with access to a wide range of practical experience and Work Out is an excellent example of this.
"By providing people with the chance to shine in a real working environment we're helping them make the transition from school to employment, while also learning new skills that can be used to find full time jobs in the future.
"These latest awards highlight a successful partnership between schools, our Employability and Skills Team and local employers , something that helps to highlight the breadth of talent we have to offer in South Ayrshire and to equip our young people for long-term careers."