Project Description

Industry: Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism
Partner Programme: Education Key Worker Team
Businesses involved: Cambo Gardens
Name of School: Waid Academy

 

In response to concerns about attendance, engagement, and post-school transitions, a collaborative effort was launched involving DYW Fife, the Education Key Worker Team, and senior staff at Waid Academy. Following consultations, a group of 10 S4 pupils were identified as requiring additional support to enhance their employability and build the confidence necessary for positive destinations after school. 

This partnership aimed to provide targeted, meaningful experiences to help these pupils develop practical and transferable skills through supported work placements and employability qualifications.

 

Collaborative Approach 

To deliver this intervention, several key organisations came together: 

DYW Fife Central Team: Led the strategic planning and employer engagement.  

Education Key Worker Team: Provided individualised support for the young people. 

Waid Academy: Identified pupils and supported them through the process. 

Cambo Gardens: Offered structured work placements, mentoring, and hands-on learning opportunities. 

DYW and Waid Academy worked closely with Elise Methven, Duty Manager at Cambo Gardens, whose experience working with young people across Fife schools made her an ideal collaborator. Elise, along with Ground Maintenance Team members Anthony and Peter, welcomed the group and coordinated tailored activities to ensure meaningful, skill-focused placements. 

Craig Christie, from the Education Key Worker Team, was appointed as the group’s Key Worker, offering consistent pastoral and motivational support. Mark Kelly and Amy Stevens from the DYW Central Team delivered in-school sessions to support the pupils through their Employability Skills qualification. 

The Placement Experience

On 28th April 2025, six pupils began a weekly three-hour placement at Cambo Gardens. Initially anxious, particularly around independent travel, transport was arranged in the early weeks to ease the transition. Over time, as confidence grew, the group began travelling independently by bus—an early success in developing self-reliance. 

 Cambo Gardens provided a structured and diverse programme, offering the pupils insight into a variety of tasks in ground maintenance, including: 

 Construction of a Petanque court 

Forestry work 

Gardening 

Machine maintenance 

 The hands-on nature of the work, combined with the supportive atmosphere created by Elise and her team, led to visible progress in the pupils’ social and practical skills. A standout moment was the completion of the Petanque court—a permanent feature of the site—which the group took great pride in constructing and being the first to use. 

Positive Outcomes and Impact 

Cambo Gardens was so impressed by the commitment and growth of the pupils that, following a budget review, they offered two paid summer positions to participants Brandon and Jack, who are now officially employed at the site. This not only marks a significant achievement for the individuals but highlights the potential of real-world work experience in transforming outlooks and opportunities. 

Furthermore, Cambo Gardens has committed to providing positive references for all participating pupils, reinforcing their role in shaping future employment prospects. 

 

Reflections from Partners 

Mark Kelly, Employability Officer, DYW Central Team: 

“The placement at Cambo has been a fantastic experience for the pupils. It’s really boosted their confidence and self-esteem. They’ve truly thrived in the supportive environment Elise and her team created, and it’s given them a real sense of purpose. One of the best moments was seeing Brandon and Jack offered summer jobs—a well-deserved reward for their hard work.”

Sabrina Ferguson, Depute Headteacher, Waid Academy: 

“Some of our vulnerable learners would struggle to move onto positive destinations post-school. Their experience at Cambo has given them confidence and improved self-esteem. They feel a sense of purpose and are more able to consider employment as a viable next step.” 

Elise Methven, Duty Manager, Cambo Gardens: 

“At first, the boys were shy and unsure. We focused on helping them feel at ease, and over the weeks, they came out of their shells. They worked hard and showed real growth. We’re proud to have played a part in their journey and are committed to working with Waid and other schools to give more young people the same opportunity.” 

Brandon, S4 Pupil, Waid Academy: 

 “I missed the first two weeks because I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it. But the others told me how good it was, so I went—and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. I’ve now been offered a summer job, which is great. Anthony and Peter have taught me so much. I’d love to keep working at Cambo or become a gardener somewhere else if I can’t stay.”