Largs Academy has hosted a Skills Academy with a focus on developing vocational, employability and life skills in the young people.
Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire is a youth employment strategy to better prepare young people for the world of work in Scotland.
This is through structured projects to prepare them for the world of work either in the short term straight from school or in the medium to long term after further education.
These are provided as elective options within the curriculum and school timetable, delivered by appropriately qualified and accredited teacher, and supported in a number of cases by external partners or individuals with knowledge, experience and qualifications in the particular field of activity.
The young people develop vocational, employability and life skills, including the core skills referred to as the 6C’s – confidence, communications, commitment, customer services, customer care and courtesy.
They also get the opportunity to gain accredited qualifications recognised by hospitality, horticulture, digital media and events management sectors, providing equality of opportunity.
The projects within the Largs Skills Academy are as follows: -
“Largs Picture House” – Community Cinema
“Seeds and Shovels” - Rural Skills
“Livin’ la vida Mocha”- Barista
“LA Events” - Events Management
“Creative Minds” – Digital Media and Photography
Funding for the projects has been provided by DYW (Developing Young Workforce) Ayrshire
The official ribbon cutting ceremonies were conducted by the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran Sheriff Iona McDonald and North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson.
There was an extremely good turnout for the launch. The attendees included local councillors, local business people, educationalists and family members.
Two musical pieces were performed by pupils. Julia Coulthard sang 'Taylor the Latte Boy', while Dylan Shearer played piano during the event, including 'Livin La Vida Loca' at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Photographs of the event were taken by four Creative Minds Photography S3 pupils - John Nimmo, Malin Hardy, Tristin McNair and MacEwan Buckland
Presentations on the new projects were made by pupils: Livin’ la vida Mocha – Lewis Clive, LA Events – Jack Uppington and Creative Minds – Isla Kennedy and Noah Graham.
John Doherty, Head Teacher, Largs Academy said: “We are so proud to launch the Largs Skills Academy pulling together some of our existing initiatives with new projects.
Each is designed to expand our curriculum and deliver both qualifications and essential skills for life and work. The skills that pupils are developing from participating will improve their employability, confidence and communication."
Gill Longmuir, DYW Ayrshire Regional Lead said: It is fantastic to see the schools investing in this approach. Skills Academies are allowing schools to offer vocational learning to young people out with the traditional setting of a classroom.
"This is assisting the achievement of positive outcomes for young people by developing their readiness for work, their confidence, the appropriate attitudes and social skills.”
Walter Smith MBE, DYW Ayrshire said: “The implementation of the skills academy at Largs Academy is a key milestone in the development of vocational and employability skills for young people in the school environment.
"Significant results are being achieved in improved attainment, positive destinations and community involvement. But most importantly it’s providing equal opportunity for all.”
For more photos, see below:
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