Project Description

Eight pupils from S4-S6 at Inverkeithing High School visited Fife Council Building Services in Kirkcaldy. Pupils were welcomed by Neil McGregor – Team Manager for Fife Council Apprentices- who talked the young people through the process of applying for an Apprenticeship with the council and the many trades they could apply for. 

 The project came about following on from the success of our Trades Demo Days back in September. Young people were fully engaged in the hands on experience and wanted further experience of more trades.  

 At today’s event the young people were split into three groups and given the opportunity to work alongside current Apprentices in their 2nd-4th year. The pupils were given a joinery, electrical wiring and plumbing task to complete. The apprentices were on hand to demonstration the skills involved and then handed over to our young people to try for themselves. This also gave an opportunity for our pupils to ask Apprentices about their pathways into their apprenticeships and for some advice. 

 DYW Coordinator Rebecca Milne was really impressed by all the pupils today. They represented the school well but most importantly they represented themselves well.  

 All the pupils thanked Neil for the experience today and have asked for support from the school with filling in an application form when applications go live next year.  

 Many of the pupils commented that they wish they had had this opportunity earlier in school to be sure they chose the right subjects to support with their applications. The Apprentices we met today also commented that they wish they’d had such opportunities at school hence their eagerness to speak to the group today and to help advise them with their application forms and skills test.  

 Over the course of the morning it was evident to see how engaged and enthusiastic the young people were. Most importantly this enthusiasm has continued since returning to school!  

 A huge thank you to Neil McGregor and his team at Fife Building Services for such an exciting opportunity for our pupils at Inverkeithing High School. 

 “I thought I wanted to be a joiner but I have changed my mind after today and I would like to apply to be a plumber” 

“I didn’t really know how to get an apprenticeship and it freaked me out a bit but now I know I can do this”