Staff at Aberdeen City Council are sharing their knowledge and experience as pupils from city schools prepare to embark on a programme to introduce them to the world of work.
Chief executive Angela Scott is among 17 employees to have signed up as a mentor for the Career Ready initiative, with the Council one of 30 employers in the North-east to have lent support.
The programme, delivered by national charity Career Ready in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council in 12 secondary schools across the North-east, is designed to help S5 and S6 pupils raise their aspirations and provide the foundation for a bright future. It links schools with employers to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for the world of work.
Cllr Ryan Houghton, vice-convener of the Aberdeen City Council Staff Governance Committee, said: “The Career Ready programme is an excellent opportunity to share the knowledge and experience of our staff with young people eager to take their first steps on the path to a rewarding career and to provide support that we hope will have a really positive influence.
“It’s also a rewarding experience for the mentors and for the Council as a whole. As one of the region’s largest employers, our duty isn’t only to those who currently work for the Council but to the workforce of the future. Staff are our most valuable asset and nurturing the best young talent is crucial to the Council’s wider ambitions for the city and all those we serve.”
Aimed at 15-18 year olds, the programme is built on four pillars which give students regular contact with working people and places: face-to-face mentoring by someone in work for two years; masterclasses to help develop key skills and attitudes needed in their future career; workplace visits that provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of local and national employers; and a four week paid internship between S5 and S6 to allow students to put their learning into practice in a real work environment. 98% of Career Ready students are in a positive destination on leaving school including higher education, further education, apprenticeships and school leaver direct employment.
Anne Wexelstein, director for Scotland at Career Ready, said: “We would like to thank our network of employer supporters who continue to provide fantastic support each year and make the Career Ready programme possible in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
“We are delighted to have new employers for this year’s launch, with mentors meeting their students for the first time last week. All of them play a crucial role in boosting social mobility across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. They help their student to make choices about their future careers and build their confidence to make career decisions and plans for themselves.”
Harlaw Acaedmy, Hazlehead Academy, Lochside Academy, Northfield Academy, Oldmachar Academy and St Machar Academy are the Aberdeen schools participating in the latest Career Ready programme. For further information visit www.careerready.org.uk .