Young people from across Renfrewshire have completed paid summer internships through the Career Ready programme, giving them workplace experience and helping them develop skills for future employment.
Twenty-three pupils from local high schools took part in the programme, which included four-week paid placements. Nine pupils worked in Renfrewshire Council services, while 14 completed placements with Diageo, Altrad, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Klas Care, City Gate Construction and Stannah Stairlifts.
Career Ready is a UK-wide social mobility charity that works with schools, education teams and employers to help young people develop workplace skills. The two-year programme includes mentoring, skills masterclasses and a paid internship.
Renfrewshire first introduced the programme in 2024. The council said positive feedback from pupils has helped expand it.
Talo Adeduro, a pupil at Paisley Grammar School, said: “I had volunteered before, but I had never worked and gotten paid for it. Career Ready has given me experience of working in a real workplace. I’ve gained versatility from working with the team.”
James Docherty, from Trinity High School, said: “I thought it would be good to see the differences between learning a subject at school and doing the job. Career Ready has given me a chance to see what being a graphic designer is like.”
A graduation ceremony was held for the pupils who completed placements with Renfrewshire Council. During the event, each pupil spoke about their experiences on the programme.
Renfrewshire Council said the area is ranked second among Scotland’s 32 local authorities for school leavers entering positive destinations, with almost 98% moving into college, university, apprenticeships, training or employment after leaving school.
Councillor Emma Rodden, Renfrewshire Council’s Education Convener, said: “Young people gain a lot from Career Ready. They can see first-hand what it’s like to be in a workplace. They can also learn from each other as each will have their own experiences.
“Supporting and shaping the future workforce is what Developing the Young Workforce is all about. Programme like Career Ready are achieved in partnership between Council and local businesses.”
Gerard McLaughlin, Head of Education, added: “It was a pleasure to meet the young people participating in this year’s Career Ready programme and to hear about their experiences.
“Career Ready provides invaluable opportunities for young people to develop the skills, confidence and workplace experience that will support them in their future education, training, and employment pathways. The enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism shown by the students has been extremely impressive.
“I would like to thank all our employer partners and mentors, as well as the Council staff who have supported the programme, for helping to create such meaningful opportunities for our young people. We are proud of what the programme continues to achieve and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”
Businesses interested in offering placements or becoming mentors through the programme can contact Career Ready by emailing Debby Barry.
Photo: Pupils who completed Renfrewshire Council placements celebrate at the Career Ready graduation ceremony.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Paisley Grammar School pupil Talo Adeduro, who took part in the Career Ready programme.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Trinity High School pupil James Docherty, who completed a Career Ready internship.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council