Moray pupils complete Career Ready internship
SIX Moray students have today finished a four-week internship at Moray Council, as part of the Career Ready programme.
They’ve spent the last month learning about different jobs within the council and undertaking multiple tasks to prepare them for the world of work ahead.
The internship was the culmination of a two-year Career Ready programme and today each intern gave a presentation on their experience and what they’ve achieved.
Matthew Easton, a 16 year-old Speyside High pupil, joined the ICT department for the duration of his internship.
He said: “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do career-wise, but this has made me consider a future in ICT. I enjoyed the atmosphere; everyone has been really friendly and welcoming.
“I’ve been supported by my mentor and I’ve enjoyed the Career Ready programme – I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their confidence and communication.”
Matthew’s mentor, ICT Project Leader, Andy Donegan, was impressed by his work ethic.
He said: “Matthew’s attitude towards work was very positive. He grasped the opportunity with both hands and has developed himself. He had a project to review the council website and its usability from a young person’s perspective, as well as get a flavour for the other work within the ICT department.”
Speyside High pupil, 17 year-old Daniel Cotton, was mentored by Moray Council’s Chief Executive, Roddy Burns, and spent time with the legal team and registrars during his internship.
“It’s given me more of an insight into a workplace, and I’ve become a lot more confident and resourceful. The presentation was the highlight for me, because it rounded off the internship and everything that’s been achieved through it.”
Caley-Mae Swanson, a Buckie High pupil, was mentored by Moray Council’s Primary Science Development Officer, Janey Irving.
She said: “I created a STEM newsletter to go to all the schools in Moray, and spent time with the legal team and with a local solicitor.
“I’d like to study environmental science or geology with the aim of getting a job in one of those sectors. I’m now more confident at speaking within a professional environment and have learned a lot about the working world ‘works’.”
Moray Council’s Acting Head of Education and Social Care, Graham Jarvis, said the interns should be proud of their professionalism.
“I’ve had nothing but positive feedback from the mentors and I know that the interns have taken full advantage of this experience to learn first-hand what a workplace is like, and also to help them make a decision about what they want to do in the future. I hope they consider a career with local government!
“I think every mentor has learned something about their service and skills from having an intern, so I’d like to congratulate all the interns and mentors, not just within Moray Council but all of the local employers that took part to shape this experience for our pupils.”
Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.