Young people are finding career inspiration in East Dunbartonshire

More and more young people in East Dunbartonshire are finding career inspiration through studying for vocational qualifications and the successful Study Leave programme.

 

At a recent meeting of the Education Committee, Councillors were updated on the progress of the comprehensive senior phase partnership programme which supports young people to develop skills and knowledge, preparing them for the future job market, college or university.  

 

Through the  Study Leave programme the Council encourages young people to ‘Find Your Inspiration’ (FYI) with a  programme aimed at S4 students who are sitting three or less National 5 courses in order to develop their skills for learning, life and work and increase their potential for achieving a positive and sustained post school destination.  

 

In May 2016 eight courses were offered as part of the FYI study leave programme and 130 participants took part in a combined short course, work placement and distance learning course related to their chosen career path. Feedback from schools was extremely positive and this programme will continue next session.  

 

The Council’s school college programme is also continuing to be very successful with pupils being offered the opportunity to attend college during the school session to study one of 37 courses in the following sectors:

 

 

Last session 295 young people from East Dunbartonshire got involved in this programme and this has increased to approximately 330 this session.  

 

Convener of Education, Councillor Maureen Henry welcomed this report on developing the young workforce.  She said, “It is great to see more of our young people getting the opportunity to study and develop skills that will inspire them to pursue a specific career path whether that is going straight into the workforce or into further education”.    

 

She continued, “With the variety of subjects and opportunities constantly expanding, young people will have more choices available to them increasing the likelihood of them achieving a positive and sustained destination when they leave school.”