YOUNG people at Alloa Academy have been gaining valuable experience, skills and qualifications thanks to the development of its Automotive Workshop.

The academy has teamed up with Clackmannanshire Council and the Forth Valley branch of Developing the Young Workforce to deliver the initiative.

Funding was secured to resource the workshop, located on the town's Castle Street, in close proximity to the academy.

Dubbed the Alloa Automotive Academy, the workshop environment has supported 10 young people into gaining a qualification in automotive maintenance.

Indeed, those who have been taking part are now fully prepared for the demands of a career in the industry.

Abbie Taylor, a pupil in S6, is one of the young people who have been benefiting from the idea to create the workshop

She said: "I am now seriously considering a career working with cars.

"I have loved learning new skills that will be put to use when I get my own car.

"My teacher [Mr Clarke] goes out his way to link our learning to industry."

Another young person thriving in the workshop has been Stewart McKenzie, from S5.

He said: "This is more like real life work.

"I have been able to wrap panels, change lights, oil and wheels.

"I have a much better knowledge of the automotive industry as a result of the course."

The school's headteacher, Mr Colin Bruce, has praised the pupils and staff involved in the initiative.

He said: "To see the young people thriving in the workshop environment has made all of the hard work, worth it.

"We now have a sustainable resource that will support learner's journey into employment here in Alloa."

He has been keen to bring more vocational experiences into the academy and has been proud to be able to do just that, along with deputy headteacher Mr Gordon Barnes.

Mr Barnes added: "We have worked in partnership across the schools to ensure that our learners have academic pathways that lead into employment.

"It has been a real team effort and something the community should be proud of."