LOCHGELLY High School pupils are currently among over 1,500 pupils from across Fife are set to take part in jobs programme delivered by local employers.

The initiative, designed by Hand Picked from CR Smith, builds bridges between the classroom and local businesses, easing the transition from school leaver to employee.

Fully supported by Developing the Young Workforce Fife, it provides schools with a real solution to delivering key employability skills to pupils before they leave school.

The programme is currently being delivered at Queen Anne, Auchmuty and Lochgelly High Schools and will then move to Dunfermline, Balwearie and Glenrothes Highs later in the year.

The six-week programme, will take S4-S6 pupils through company recruitment processes and effective job seeking skills including CV writing, cover letters and interviews.

Guiding them through the first programmes are representatives from 13 local companies including The HR Booth, HPE financial services, Blackadders solicitors, Kingdom Homes, FiFab, Lloyds Banking Group, CR Smith, SRUC, Semefab, Trend Technologies, Bosch Rexroth, Fife Council Social Care and Fife Council Out of School Club.

Pauline McGeevor, who is the Project Manager at Hand Picked from CR Smith, was delighted that more schools are adopting the programme.

"Working closely with Developing the Young Workforce in Fife and a range of different employers means we are able to have a real impact on the pupils we connect with, helping them understand what employers look for when recruiting new staff, and giving them the confidence to go after the jobs they want," she said.

“All our volunteer employers work with our lesson plans and are trained on the material, but each brings their own unique experience and realities of working in business to the class.

"We know that meeting employers whilst at school can have a transformative impact for the young people. It is also a tremendous way for businesses to support their local community and I would encourage more companies to get involved.”

Adam Jackson, from Lochgelly High School, said the programme was already proving to be a success.

"Every S5 pupil within Lochgelly High School has had the opportunity to learn; direct from employers, how to construct a tailored CV, cover letter and also learn how best prepare for an interview," he said.

"Not only do our young people benefit greatly from these key skills, but they also get the chance to interact with an employer and learn more around the expectations of the world of work.

“As the DYW Coordinator, Hand Picked for Schools is the obvious choice. All I had to do was contact Megan from Hand Picked with the number of classes, the time and days they took place and then Megan organised everything else.”