Project Description

Industry: Construction  
Partner Programme: Fife Council Building Services 
Activity Type: Work Inspiration & Preparation / Apprenticeship Event / Construction Work Taster Businesses involved: Fife Council Building Services 
Name of School: Glenrothes High School  

Glenrothes High School partnered with Fife Council Building Services and DYW Fife to deliver a focused employability experience for 14 pupils on Thursday 18 September. The session combined a recruitment briefing, a health & safety hazard perception workshop, hands-on trade tasters across Joinery, Electrical and Plumbing, and interview/assessment insights. Pupils reported stronger confidence, clearer understanding of the apprenticeship route, and practical awareness of workplace expectations. 

 

Objectives 

• Inspire young people by showing clear, local routes into trade apprenticeships. 

• Build skills in health & safety awareness, communication and problem-solving. 

• Improve interview and assessment readiness through authentic, hands-on tasks. 

• Strengthen sustained school–employer collaboration aligned to DYW Fife priorities. 

 

Partners included 

Fife Council Building Services – session host; delivered an apprenticeship pathway briefing, led the hazard perception workshop, and staffed three hands-on trade stations with current apprentices as near-peer mentors. 

Glenrothes High School (DYW & Guidance)

Why employers got involved: to engage early with local talent, support community outcomes, showcase modern careers in public-sector construction, and develop apprentices’ mentoring and leadership skills. 

 

Learners involved 

14 pupils (including S4), selected for interest in construction and trades.

What we did 

Apprenticeship pathway briefing 

The Building Services Manager explained the steps, expectations and criteria for securing an apprenticeship with Fife Council Building Services, demystifying applications and selection. 

Hazard perception workshop 

Pupils analysed real-world site scenarios to identify risks and discuss safe behaviours, building a proactive H&S mindset. 

Hands-on trade rotations 

Pupils rotated through Joinery, Electrical and Plumbing stations. At each, they completed a short practical task with guidance from current apprentices, receiving immediate tips on technique, quality and workplace standards. 

Mock interview & assessment insights 

Activities mirrored elements of a mock interview/assessment day, giving pupils practical context for what employers look for—communication, problem-solving, safety awareness and basic hand-skills. 

 

Outcomes and impact 

Employability & career readiness 

Clearer understanding of entry routes and criteria for apprenticeships with Fife Council Building Services. 

Increased confidence for interviews and assessments; pupils know what to prepare and how to present themselves. 

Stronger ability to articulate workplace expectations (safety, teamwork, reliability). 

Technical & transferable skills 

Exposure to core trade tasks across Joinery, Electrical and Plumbing.  

Improved hazard recognition and discussion of safe systems of work. 

Practice in communication, problem-solving and attention to detail under guidance from apprentices. 

 

Pupil Feedback 

Shay (S4 pupil): “I really want to apply for an apprenticeship with the council. Today was really good and to find out about their interview process means I will be more prepared if I was to get an interview.” 

Mr Dudley, DYW Coordinator & Guidance Teacher: “Neil and his team have been fantastic with our school over the years. A very informative session again and the pupils will benefit from having this experience when they apply for the jobs. Huge thank you from me once again for your support of the school and our learners.”