More young people across Renfrewshire have gained valuable insight into the world of work through paid Career Ready internships.
This year, 27 pupils from local high schools took part in four-week placements during the summer holidays. 12 worked for Renfrewshire Council and 15 for local businesses, including Altrad, ASDA, City Gate Construction ltd, Filshill Limited, KLAS Care, Lochile Construction Group, Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Career Ready is a UK-wide social mobility charity that partners with schools and employers to help young people unlock their full potential and develop essential workplace skills.
The two-year programme includes mentoring, skills masterclasses, and a paid internship, giving those who are nearing the end of their school career a work-based learning opportunity to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Following the success of last year, the initiative has been expanded to offer even more Renfrewshire pupils a wider range of opportunities through a network of participating organisations.
The feedback from pupils has been positive, with many saying the experience helped them gain confidence and opened their eyes to career pathways they hadn’t considered.
Success Agbontaen from St Benedict’s High School said: “I’ve really enjoyed getting to talk to different people. I’d tell others to go for it. It really builds your confidence and helps you trust yourself to manage your time and get the job done.”
Neve Prior from Trinity High School added: “This has been one of the best things I’ve done. Just knowing that when I’m applying to jobs, I’ll be able to say I’ve had a month of work experience.
“It gives you a taster for what it’s like to work in an office, and I’ve learned so much about what the council does—it’s a lot more than just collecting bins and fixing roads!”
Jack McMenemy from Park Mains High School said: “It’s helped me improve my timekeeping, and I’ve learned to get up on time and figure out the bus schedule.
“The pay is good, too. It’s great work experience and a nice way to learn about the work environment without being thrown into a full-time job”.
Councillor Emma Rodden, Convener for Education, added: “Giving young people the chance to explore different career paths and gain real experience in the workplace is so important. We’re proud to work with local businesses and mentors who are shaping the future workforce in Renfrewshire.”
Janie O’Neil, Director of Children’s Services, said: “It was a pleasure to meet the young people who are participating in our innovative Career Ready programme.
“I am delighted at the opportunities which they have had here in Renfrewshire Council, and I think it is admirable that they have committed 4 weeks of their own summer holidays to work with us.
“Well done to them and to all the staff involved in making this programme a success, and we look forward to it going from strength to strength in the coming years.”
Businesses interested in becoming mentors or offering placements to young people through the Career Ready programme can email Debby Barry at Career Ready for more information.
Headline image: Group shot – Career Ready interns with Emma Henry, Debby Barry SDS, Janie O’Neill and Yvonne Ward
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council