A group of West Lothian school pupils are taking their first steps into the world of work via the Career Ready programme.
Career Ready is a two-year programme designed to empower young people in S5/S6 to kick-start their chosen career through a series of authentic workplace experiences and a network of support.
This year will see a total of 46 students on West Lothian Council’s Career Ready Programme and all will benefit from a four-week-long, paid, internship across a range of national and local employers.
Summer internships are a regular feature of the Career Ready Programme, with pupils completing them at the mid-way point of the programme, prior to moving into sixth year at school.
Seven students were matched with West Lothian Council mentors across a number of council services including: Building Services, Member Services, Education Services, Social Work, Transportation, CLD Youth Services and Economic Development.
Students on the programme working with the council will also benefit from a programme of additional workshops and information sessions designed to give them a thorough look into the work of the council.
Ahead of starting their summer internships, the seven students and their mentors were invited to a welcome session in West Lothian Civic Centre. The session included a tour of the building and an early chance to learn about working for West Lothian Council.
Depute council leader and executive councillor for development and transport, Kirsteen Sullivan dropped in on the session and met with the students.
Councillor Sullivan said: “The Career Ready mentoring scheme provides a valuable opportunity for young people to get a real, early insight into the world of work. It was a pleasure to have the chance to meet the young people who will be spending part of their summer with West Lothian Council and I wish them, and the rest of the pupils taking part in the programme, the best of luck.”
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