School pupils in Stirling and Clackmannanshire have completed an employability programme.
The Ideal Candidate programme, run by Robertson Group, the main construction partner for the University of Stirling’s National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, helps young people prepare for the workplace.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government’s Developing the Young Workforce and supported by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, equips participants with a range of skills, including CV writing, social media awareness, and interview preparation.
The programme also offers the opportunity to gain SCQF Level 3 and 4 Certificates in Employability Skills.
Twenty-three young people from Wallace High in Stirling and Lornshill Academy in Clackmannanshire were recognised for their achievements with certificates.
Councillor Ellen Forson, Clackmannanshire Council Leader said: "It was great to meet the young people from Lornshill Academy and congratulate them on completing the Ideal Candidate programme.
"Clackmannanshire Council is determined to make the most of the City Region Deal to back our young people—giving them the skills, support and confidence to thrive at school and beyond.
"Programmes like this are a brilliant way to help young people realise their potential and take their next steps."
Stirling Council Depute Leader, Councillor Jen Preston, said: "Major investments such as the City Region Deal are creating a wide range of exciting opportunities for our young people in high-growth and emerging sectors as well as other industries.
"The practical skills and knowledge that pupils have secured during this programme will give them a head-start as they make the next steps in their future careers.
"I was delighted to present the certificates to all the participants, hear their positive feedback and pass on my congratulations."
At the end of the programme, participants were given a tour of the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH), which is set to open later this year.
The facility, funded by a £17 million investment by the UK Government through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, as well as a £1 million Wolfson Foundation grant, will drive the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in modern aquaculture practice.
Professor Paul A. Townsend, Deputy Principal (Research and Innovation) at the University of Stirling, said: "The University of Stirling is committed to supporting young people to fulfil their potential, and to invest in them the skills and attributes that will enable them to succeed.
"That’s a mission we hold for everyone, not just our students.
"We use our role as an anchor here in the Forth Valley to help support prosperity and to create opportunities for all people, so that together we can live better, safer, healthier lives.
"So, it was an honour to present local pupils with their Ideal Candidate certificates – I’ve no doubt the skills they have gained through this programme will help them in the next step on their journey, whatever they choose to do."
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