Youngsters Encouraged to Bag a Brighter Future!

Tue, 18 Nov 2008

Potential school leavers were offered the chance to ‘Bag a Brighter Future' this week at an information event aimed at 16 and 17 year olds who are considering leaving school at Christmas time.

The event hosted at the Glynhill Hotel in Renfrew was aimed at highlighting the opportunities available to pupils who are considering leaving school. Employment agencies, employers, training providers and further education providers were on hand to talk to the pupils and provide advice on how the youngsters can move their futures forward.

Approximately 150 16 & 17 year olds attended the annual event which is now in its second year. Tommy McDade, More Choices More Chances Co-ordinator said, " There are many options available to winter school leavers but sometimes people don't really know where to go for advice - that's why we're holding this event.
"It was excellent to see so many young people coming along and taking positive steps to ensure a brighter future for themselves. I hope the event was useful to those who attended, feedback so far has been positive and we are keen to develop the event in coming years. "

The event gave those in attendance the opportunity to speak to representatives from various organisations about their options. A range of information stalls were set provide all with an overview of the options available to them. A mock interview workshop was also provided to give tips and also to highlight some popular mistakes people make in interview situations. A panel of local employers then took questions from the young people on various aspects of getting into work.
Grahame Harrigan, 15, from Gleniffer High School thoroughly enjoyed the event. He explained, "I'm thinking of leaving school at Christmas but before this event I didn't know what choices I had. The people here have been really helpful and now I have a few ideas about what I can do next - it's been really worthwhile"

Renfrewshire More Choices More Chances partnership organised the event which was delivered in partnership with Renfrewshire Council Education and Leisure Services, Renfrewshire Workforce Plus, Careers Scotland, Jobcentre Plus, Skills Development Scotland, Reid Kerr College.

Any school leavers looking to find out what options are available to them can call Careers Scotland on 0845 8 502 502.

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