The event formed part of the school’s wider Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) programme and targeted pupils who had expressed an interest in pathways linked to Engineering, Hospitality, Health Care, Physical Education and Sport. Through a series of practical challenges and employer interactions, learners were able to experience real-world applications of key workplace skills while exploring potential future destinations.

Bringing Career Learning to Life

Delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) at Leuchars Station, the challenge day provided pupils with a unique opportunity to engage directly with Army personnel and gain insight into a variety of careers and training pathways.

The event was carefully designed to help young people develop confidence, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills while learning how these abilities are applied in a professional setting. By taking part in practical challenges, pupils were encouraged to think creatively, work collaboratively and take responsibility within their teams.

The activity supported DYW priorities by helping young people make meaningful connections between their education, employability skills and future career opportunities.

Learning Through Practical Challenge

The challenge took place within an aircraft hangar at Leuchars Station, where pupils rotated around a series of interactive activity stations delivered by personnel from different Army battalions and regiments.

Working in small groups, learners participated in hands-on activities that required communication, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving. Each task encouraged pupils to collaborate with their peers, support one another and develop resilience when faced with unfamiliar challenges.

Alongside the activities, pupils had opportunities to speak directly with serving soldiers about their own career journeys, the variety of roles available within the Armed Forces and the skills required for success in the workplace.

The combination of practical challenge and employer engagement helped pupils gain a realistic understanding of how transferable skills can support career progression across a variety of sectors.

Meaningful Employer Engagement

Army personnel played an active role throughout the day, helping to create a positive and engaging experience for learners.

As long-standing partners of schools through Developing the Young Workforce initiatives, the Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting young people in understanding future pathways and developing the skills employers value most.

By sharing real-life experiences and facilitating practical activities, Army staff helped pupils gain first-hand insight into the importance of teamwork, adaptability, resilience and leadership. The experience also demonstrated how these skills can support success across a range of industries, not solely within Armed Forces careers.

What Young People Said

The event was extremely well received by pupils, many of whom continued to talk about the experience long after returning to school.

One pupil reflected:

“I struggle to concentrate in school but at this event I realised I have the skills to be successful in various active jobs.”

Staff reported that pupils were still “buzzing” about the experience the following week, highlighting the positive impact the event had on engagement and motivation.

The opportunity to participate in practical activities and work closely with employers helped many learners recognise strengths they may not have previously identified within themselves.

Supporting Confidence and Inclusion

An especially positive outcome from the event was the impact it had on pupils who had experienced difficulties with attendance or confidence within school.

Staff noted that several learners who would often struggle in more traditional settings engaged exceptionally well with the challenge day and benefited from the supportive environment.

For some young people, the experience provided an opportunity to reconnect with peers, increase their confidence and overcome feelings of anxiety around attending school.

The less formal learning environment allowed pupils to succeed in different ways and demonstrated the value of employer engagement activities in supporting wider wellbeing and inclusion outcomes.

Impact and Outcomes

The Leuchars Station Ex May Challenge delivered a range of positive outcomes for participating learners, including:

• Increased confidence and self-belief.
• Development of teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
• Improved resilience and problem-solving abilities.
• Greater awareness of Armed Forces careers and routes into employment.
• Enhanced understanding of transferable skills across multiple sectors.
• Positive engagement from pupils who may not typically thrive in traditional classroom environments.
• Stronger connections between education and the world of work.

The event demonstrated how meaningful employer engagement can inspire young people, raise aspirations and help learners recognise their potential. Through practical challenges and direct interaction with industry professionals, pupils gained valuable experiences that will support them as they begin to consider their future education, training and career pathways.