Moray school leavers summer programme helps young people take positive next steps
A summer programme designed to help school leavers prepare for the future has been hailed a success after every participant moved on to a positive destination.
The Moray Pathways Local Employability Partnership Summer Programme supported 21 young people aged 15 to 18 from secondary schools across Moray. Running over six weeks at UHI Moray, the programme was delivered by Moray Council's Employability Youth Work Team in partnership with the council's Employability Team, Mentoring Young Talent Team, Developing the Young Workforce Moray, UHI Moray and Skills Development Scotland.
All of the young people who took part have now moved on to positive destinations. Of those, 76% have progressed to college, 19% are taking part in personal and social development opportunities and 5% have moved into employment. Participants will continue to receive support from key workers.
Participants took part in a wide range of activities aimed at building confidence, developing skills and exploring future opportunities. These included circus skills workshops with Moray Flying Circus, workplace visits to Forres Tolbooth and ReBOOT, a trip to the STEM Starts Centre at Elgin Library, as well as sports, arts and team-building activities.
A key part of the programme was a youth voice day, where participants worked together to create manifestos outlining the changes they would like to see in Moray. The ideas and feedback gathered will help inform future decision-making on issues that matter to young people.
The programme received positive feedback from participants. Isla, 18, said: "It's an amazing and worth doing experience. It gave me the opportunity to do some things I've never done before and make new friends or see old friends again. I would very much recommend it to others!"
Chair of Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Marc Macrae, said: “This programme demonstrates the value of investing in our young people and giving them the support they need at a crucial stage in their lives. It's particularly encouraging to see every participant progress to a positive destination, whether that's further education, employment or personal development. The programme has also helped young people develop confidence, skills and connections that will benefit them in the future.”
Chair of Moray Council's Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, Councillor Cllr Kathleen Robertson, added: “Supporting young people as they leave school is vital, and this programme has provided a welcoming environment where they could build skills, make new friends and explore future opportunities. The youth voice element was especially important, giving participants the chance to share their views and help shape decisions that affect them. Congratulations to everyone involved in making the programme such a success.”