Central Ayrshire MP Brian Donohoe has applauded a government initiative for school and college leavers which is being launched this week in his constituency.
The aim of 'Determined to Succeed' is to help pupils and students prepare for life after the classroom. o Key priorities are to develop business awareness, adaptability and self-confidence. o Building links between businesses and schools is crucial to the success of the project.
'Determined to Succeed' is a countrywide project which in Scotland is being piloted in Ayrshire. o It will be launched on Wednesday 26th November at the Prestwick Centre, when 130 pupils from six local schools will attend a business seminar along with local councillors and representatives of local businesses. o During the event, the students will take part in a 'Dragon's Den' – style challenge.
The initiative is being sponsored by NATS, which specialises in providing air traffic control services, and is one of Ayrshire's biggest employers. o During the pilot scheme, NATS will be providing life skills training in software development and testing, accountancy, CV development and interview techniques.o Members of the NATS Executive are being invited to participate in future events.
Welcoming the scheme, Brian Donohoe MP said: o"This is such an important initiative at this crucial time in the economic and employment cycle. Young people need all the preparation and encouragement they can get in the competitive jobs market. I feel it is particularly important, given these challenging times, that our young people develop the skills they will need to move ahead in life.o Giving them the chance to be involved with a business is one of the biggest challenges facing our education system. oI am very pleased that NATS has committed itself to getting the ‘Determined to Succeed’ project off to a flying start."