Published 02 February 2024
Pupils at Vale of Leven Academy attended the school’s annual careers event which helps young people looking for support and advice on planning their next steps in employment, training and education.
More than 500 students, parents and carers got the opportunity to speak with local businesses and colleges and universities to explore their options when they leave school.
Over 80 colleges, universities, training providers, teachers and former pupils were on-hand to speak to pupils and offer career advice and inspiration. Many local and high profile businesses also attended including Aggreko, Babcock, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, NHS, Scottish Ambulance Service and DXC Technology.
Feedback from the event has been very positive and will support students with their option process in the coming weeks and inform students who plan to leave school and sustain a positive destination.
Vale of Leven Academy Head Teacher, Matthew Boyle, said: “As a school we have a clear mission to help young people in our community into fulfilling occupations, our recent Careers Event was an inspiring showcase offering our young people a wide range of opportunities. Without our rich partnership with the Council’s Senior Phase Team, Skills Development Scotland (SDS), and local businesses and organisations, we couldn’t deliver a one-stop opportunity on this scale, and I thank them all for their support.”
Convener of Educational, Councillor Clare Steel, said: “The Council is committed to supporting young people go on to a positive destination when they leave school. The school has formed a great rapport with local businesses, colleges and universities and their commitment to come along and offer advice and support to our young people is very much appreciated. Every young person should have the aspiration to go on to meaningful employment, training or further education and it’s events like these that showcase what is available to our students to explore new and interesting future pathways.”
Vice Convener of Education, Councillor John Millar, said: “This event was a great opportunity for pupils and their families to network with potential employers and those offering work experience and volunteering placements. It was great that local, national and international businesses came along to showcase their opportunities for our young people. I would like to thank each organisation for coming along and for their part in helping to give our young people the chance to go on to a positive destination.”