More than 1500 school pupils across Fife will be taking part in an expanded employability programme that is delivered exclusively by local employers.
The programme, designed by Hand Picked from CR Smith builds bridges between the classroom and local businesses, easing the transition from school leaver to employee. Fully supported by Developing the Young Workforce Fife, it provides schools with a real solution to delivering key employability skills to pupils before they leave school.
The programme is currently being delivered at Auchmuty, Lochgelly and Queen Anne High Schools before moving to Balwearie, Glenrothes and Dunfermline High Schools later in the year. The six-week programme, will take S4-S6 pupils through company recruitment processes and effective job seeking skills including CV writing, cover letters and interviews.
Guiding them through the first programmes running throughout September and October are representatives from 13 local companies, including The HR Booth, HPE financial services, Blackadders solicitors, Kingdom Homes, FiFab, Lloyds Banking Group, CR Smith, SRUC, Semefab, Trend Technologies, Bosch Rexroth, Fife Council Social Care, Fife Council Out of School Club who have all received training from Hand Picked. More employers are being sought for the later courses.
Pauline McGeevor is the Project Manager at Hand Picked from CR Smith, which has been delivering its highly successful jobs programmes for more than 10 years. She said:
“We’re delighted that more schools are adopting our programme. Working closely with Developing the Young Workforce in Fife and a range of different employers means we are able to have a real impact on the pupils we connect with, helping them understand what employers look for when recruiting new staff, and giving them the confidence to go after the jobs they want.
“All our volunteer employers work with our lesson plans and are trained on the material, but each brings their own unique experience and realities of working in business to the class. We know that meeting employers whilst at school can have a transformative impact for the young people. It is also a tremendous way for businesses to support their local community and I would encourage more companies to get involved.”
Adam Jackson of Lochgelly High School added:
“The success of Hand Picked for Schools Programme is in its equitable delivery. Every S5 pupil within Lochgelly High School has had the opportunity to learn; direct from employers, how to construct a tailored CV, cover letter and also learn how best prepare for an interview. Not only do our young people benefit greatly from these key skills, but they also get the chance to interact with an employer and learn more around the expectations of the world of work.
“As the DYW Coordinator, Hand Picked for Schools is the obvious choice. All I had to do was contact Megan from Hand Picked with the number of classes, the time and days they took place and then Megan organised everything else.”