Each of the region’s secondary schools identified pupils who would benefit from the programme and they had the opportunity to take part in a variety of interactive virtual sessions including cooking on a budget, working as part of a team, organisational skills, CV preparation and expectations at an interview, including how to dress appropriately.
Sara Ward, programme manager, said: “This programme has showcased the many skills required by employers from young people making the transition into the world of work. It has given them more confidence and better prepared them for leaving school.”
Some of the pupils have given their enthusiastic assessments of the course.
S4 pupil at Selkirk High School, Tasha Logan, said: “I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the whole programme, my favourite part had to be the dressing-up session.
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"It has given me more confidence to apply for jobs and I know what is right and wrong to do it now.”
Fellow Selkirk pupil Amber McIntosh said: “I felt okay about attending the programme as I had met Stacey beforehand in the school and I knew a few people who were attending.
"Overall, the programme was really good, I learned a lot. My favourite part was the dress to impress and dressing up in the construction clothes. The programme gave me the confidence to apply for a job and go to the interview better prepared – I was successful at getting the job.”
Lewis Finlayson, an S6 pupil at Jedburgh Grammar, said: “I am glad I was given the opportunity to take part in the STEP programme. It was a really good three days and I learnt a lot.”
Dan Fox, the DYW lead for Hawick High School, told us: “The STEP programme was an expertly-delivered employability programme which massively improved the self-esteem and confidence of the students who took part.
"All the of the workshops from local and national employers were exciting and engaging and has helped further strengthen the link between education and industry.
“This has been a fantastic experience which has allowed the pupils to engage with the skills required for the world of work.
“We can’t wait to do it again next year.”