Forres firms ReBOOT, Keith Builders Merchants and the Findhorn Foundation offer work experience in Moray Pathways Summer Programme
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A large group of local young people completed work experience organised by Moray Council this summer.
ReBOOT, Keith Builders Merchants (KBM), Findhorn Foundation, Moray School Bank, Speyside and Anderson's Care Homes partnered with the local authority to deliver the school leaver’s project.
Youth work development officer, Bethan Blampied, explained the Moray Pathways Summer Programme ran over June and July, and was first set up eight years ago by Moray Council’s Employability Team.
She said: "This year, the team worked in partnership to deliver a project within a skill building and employability focused environment.
"The purpose was to provide a supportive, interactive and informal group experience, with the aim of developing essential skills for life and work.
"This was done through a range of programmes and opportunities, working with external partners across Moray, which lead to bespoke and individualised support if needed."
This summer, 35 young people took part in the programme. They worked on team building, outdoor learning, college preparation, workplace tours, community impact and accreditation. Nearly 80 per cent of the participants secured positive destinations.
ReBOOT manager Lee McGrath confirmed the firm has worked with the programme for a few years.
He said: "We welcome the young people, give them an insight into our operations and to meet the team. They then dismantle a computer system that is ready for end of life recycling.
"It's always a pleasure to give these young people a tour - they really light up when they get a chance to recycle an old computer!"
KBM director Kevin Mitchell admitted this is the first time his company has taken part but promised it will not be the last.
He said: "The participants were shown around various jobs that we do, from accounts through to sales and on to the yard staff.
"The young people interacted and showed great enthusiasm which is refreshing to see as an employer."
Findhorn Foundation: "
To sign up for the programme, young people must be referred to Moray Pathways. This can be through the Skills Development Scotland career’s adviser at school, via other professional agencies, by self-referral or through their Employability Keyworker.
