Pupils from Park Mains High School have completed the first year of a new programme designed to help them get ready for the world of work.

Seven youngsters have successfully finished a four-week paid internship over the summer, with three working with Renfrewshire Council and four with businesses, such as Diageo and Stafffinders.

Career Ready is a coaching and mentoring programme by the national social mobility charity of the same name.

Park Mains High School pupil Hannah Aird at the Invest in Renfrewshire reception deskPark Mains High School pupil Hannah Aird at the Invest in Renfrewshire reception desk (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

It aims to work with employers and education to help young people get a kickstart towards their career ambitions.

The two-year programme includes a series of skill masterclasses and meeting mentors who share their skills and knowledge to support young people towards their career future.

Pupils have been overwhelmingly positive about the experience.

Janie O’Neill, Renfrewshire Council director of Children’s Services, with Park Mains High School pupils (left to right) Oisin Moore, Graham Sinclair and Hannah AirdJanie O’Neill, Renfrewshire Council director of Children’s Services, with Park Mains High School pupils (left to right) Oisin Moore, Graham Sinclair and Hannah Aird (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

One pupil, Oisin, said: "My favourite part was meeting with employers and seeing just how many opportunities are out there for young people.

"I learned about different career paths that are now available to me."

Another pupil, Hannah, said: "I’ve learned many things during this experience but the biggest was about the work done by employability staff and I realised I might want to do something like that when I am older."

Yvonne Ward, education manager for Renfrewshire Council with a remit for Developing the Young Workforce, said: "We are delighted with the success of the Career Ready programme in Renfrewshire this year and the positive impact it has on our young people.

"Plans are now in place to extend the Career Ready programme to an additional two Renfrewshire secondary schools in this school year (2024-25)."

Councillor Emma Rodden, education convener, added: "Giving young people the opportunities to work with local businesses is vitally important to ensure they have the skills and knowledge for the careers they want to get into.

"This programme has only just begun, and we are seeking more businesses to work with us and become mentors to support new interns in future, helping to provide more great opportunities for young people at a key stage of their education journey."

Businesses interested in becoming mentors for young people should email Debby Barry at Career Ready.