QUEEN ANNE HIGH SCHOOL pupils are among more than 1,500 pupils from across Fife set to take part in jobs programme delivered by local employers.

The initiative, designed by Hand Picked from CR Smith, builds bridges between the classroom and local businesses, easing the transition from school leaver to employee.

Fully supported by Developing the Young Workforce Fife, it provides schools with a real solution to delivering key employability skills to pupils before they leave school.

The programme is currently being delivered at Queen Anne, Auchmuty and Lochgelly high schools and will then move to Dunfermline, Balwearie and Glenrothes highs later in the year.

The six-week programme will take S4-S6 pupils through company recruitment processes and effective job-seeking skills including CV-writing, cover letters and interviews.

Guiding them through the first programmes are representatives from 13 local companies including The HR Booth, HPE financial services, Blackadders solicitors, Kingdom Homes, FiFab, Lloyds Banking Group, CR Smith, SRUC, Semefab, Trend Technologies, Bosch Rexroth, Fife Council Social Care and Fife Council Out of School Club.

Pauline McGeevor, who is project manager at Hand Picked from CR Smith, was delighted that more schools are adopting the programme.

"Working closely with Developing the Young Workforce in Fife and a range of different employers means we are able to have a real impact on the pupils we connect with, helping them understand what employers look for when recruiting new staff, and giving them the confidence to go after the jobs they want," she said.

“All our volunteer employers work with our lesson plans and are trained on the material but each brings their own unique experience and realities of working in business to the class.

"We know that meeting employers whilst at school can have a transformative impact for the young people. It is also a tremendous way for businesses to support their local community and I would encourage more companies to get involved.”