New skills projects launched in Largs Academy revealed

Three new projects run by the Developing the Young Workforce initiative in Ayrshire will go live at the school later this month.

The new initiatives, along with two similar projects that are already running at the school, will be unveiled at Largs Academy on Friday, October 24.

The launch of the Largs Skills Academy will be conducted by the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald MBE, and North Ayrshire's Provost, Anthea Dickson.

Walter Smith MBE is the man who is behind the initiative.

He was given the honour for services to youth enterprise.

His work has seen him directly mentor hundreds of young people and support almost 450 new businesses get off the ground in Ayrshire alone.

Walter works closely with Largs Academy, advising on small businesses and start-ups while honing pupils' entrepreneurial skills.

The aims of the innovative school projects are to develop employability and vocational skills in the young people and equip them with the 6C’s – confidence, communication, commitment, customers services, customer care and courtesy.

There are five projects within the skills academy – three of which are relatively new and being launched. The other two are already established.

The courses are as follows: 

Barista Skills - Livin’ La Vida Mocha

Digital Media and Photography -  Learning through a Lens

Events Management – LA Events

Horticultural Skills – Seeds and Shovels

Cinema – Largs Picture House  

A government initiative set up in 2015 to help improve employability also sought Walter's involvement.

He helped set up an Ayrshire branch and through Scottish Government funding has been involved in helping to set up 110 school-run projects since 2015.

He told the News it brings him 'great joy' watching pupils' confidence grow and helping to equip them with the tools to thrive in the outside world.

One of them saw Largs Academy launch its own cinema in 2019, which is again continuing this year.