Young people from across Renfrewshire have benefitted from a paid summer internship.
23 pupils from local high schools took part in the Career Ready programme. They learned valuable workplace skills and experience during the four‑week placement.
The programme is organised by Renfrewshire Council and supported by six local businesses. Nine pupils worked in Council services. 14 worked with Diageo, Altrad, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Klas Care, City Gate Construction, and Stannah Stairlifts.
Career Ready is a UK‑wide social mobility charity. It aims to unlock young people’s potential and develop essential workplace skills. This is achieved in partnership with schools, education teams and employers.
The programme takes two years. It includes mentoring, skills masterclasses and a paid internship. It gives young people nearing the end of school valuable work‑based learning opportunities.
Renfrewshire first began the programme in 2024. Feedback from pupils has been positive and helped expand the programme.
This year’s pupils say the placements have given them valuable workplace experience.
Talo Adeduro attends Paisley Grammar School. He said: “I had volunteered before, but I had never worked and gotten paid for it. Career Ready has given me experience of working in a real workplace. I’ve gained versatility from working with the team.”
James Docherty goes to Trinity High School. He explained: “I thought it would be good to see the differences between learning a subject at school and doing the job. Career Ready has given me a chance to see what being a graphic designer is like.”
A graduation ceremony was held with pupils who worked with Renfrewshire Council teams. Each pupil spoke about their experiences during the event.
Renfrewshire is ranked second out of all 32 council for school leavers entering positive destinations. Almost 98% of young people go into college, university, apprenticeships, training or start work after leaving school.
Councillor Emma Rodden, Renfrewshire Council’s Education Convener, said: “Young people gain a lot from Career Ready. They can see first‑hand what it’s like to be in a workplace. They can also learn from each other as each will have their own experiences.
“Supporting and shaping the future workforce is what Developing the Young Workforce is all about. Programme like Career Ready are achieved in partnership between Council and local businesses.”
Gerard McLaughlin, Head of Education, added: “It was a pleasure to meet the young people participating in this year’s Career Ready programme and to hear about their experiences.
“Career Ready provides invaluable opportunities for young people to develop the skills, confidence and workplace experience that will support them in their future education, training, and employment pathways. The enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism shown by the students has been extremely impressive.
“I would like to thank all our employer partners and mentors, as well as the Council staff who have supported the programme, for helping to create such meaningful opportunities for our young people. We are proud of what the programme continues to achieve and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength in the years ahead.”
Businesses can offer placements and become mentors to young people through the programme. Email Debby Barry at Career Ready for more information.