Vocational Education in partnership with Partick Thistle Football Club ran a winter leavers programme for a selection of S4 young people from various secondary establishments within the city.
The group attended a 3 day a week programme (September to December) one of which was based at Firhill Stadium where the boys participated in a number of activity workshops such as - goal setting, pre football employment, mentality of a player, understanding the role of the coach and sports psychology.
The young people also worked on enhancing their transferable skills – confidence, social, communication and leadership.
On the last day the group were presented with a certificate from Partick Thistle manager Jackie McNamara.
Vocational Education’s internal staff and Empower (Employability Programme –Young Enterprise Scotland) worked with the group for the two remaining days within the week working towards a variety of awards that would enhance their progress into further education or the world of work.
The young people attained a sport leader award (British Sports Trust), personal fitness unit (SQA), heart start (British Heart Foundation), PX2 award (Pacific Institute) an well as gaining numerous employability skills such as – defining goals, job search techniques, how to write a winning CV and career positioning.
The feedback from the young people involved was extremely positive and they all felt the 3 day course and the qualifications they obtained were very beneficial towards preparing them for life after school.