This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Skills for success
06/12/2005
Around 1,000 youngsters are taking part in new Developing Skills for Work courses designed to offer third and fourth year pupils of all abilities the chance to develop skills and knowledge in broad vocational areas.
The pilot courses, being offered by 145 schools, are:
- Early education and childcare
- Sport and recreation
- Construction and craft skills
- Financial services
Most schools have teamed up with colleges to offer the Intermediate 1 and 2 courses. However, Portree High is working with a local business on the construction course while pupils at Aberdeen's Hazlehead Academy are working with a private nursery for their childcare course.
Other courses are being delivered 'in-house' using visiting lecturers or existing expertise, facilities and resources - including, in one case, the school's in-house nursery.
Education Minister Peter Peacock said:
"Education must equip every child to realise their full potential. That means we must tailor what is taught in our schools, and how it is taught, to pupils' individual needs.
"Vocational courses offer valuable additional experiences for pupils of all abilities, helping prepare them for the future - whether that means further qualifications, training or employment. By introducing these courses in S3, pupils gain hands-on work experience alongside other subjects. This can make their education more meaningful and relevant, keeping them engaged and opening their eyes to a range of career options."
Construction Industry Training Board area manager Hugh McCafferty said:
"The Skills for Work initiative is seen by industry as a major step forward to provide tomorrow's construction workforce. The initiative will also give young people a better understanding of what employers are looking for in terms of skills and abilities.
"It will provide a progression from school for those young people with a desire to work in construction. CITB Construction Skills will work with schools, colleges, employers and Skills for Work partners to ensure this initiative becomes the main progression route to employment in the construction industry."
Hugh Logan, Motherwell College's Principal and Chief Executive, said:
"Since 1998, Motherwell College has developed a range of successful partnerships with schools in both North and South Lanarkshire. Our school activity has experienced sustained growth throughout this period and made a major contribution to the Scottish Executive's Lifelong Partnership Strategy.
"I am delighted that the college has been nominated as an area of excellent practice for our Skills for Work courses and I look forward to continuing the successful partnership work with both councils."