A council service is helping more East Lothian young people find their perfect path after leaving school.
East Lothian Works...is creating real opportunities for our young people, setting them up for success in whatever path they choose.
Scottish Government data reported that almost 95% of the county’s former pupils are reported to be in a ‘positive destination’ after first leaving school. This includes college or university, employment or training.
By developing connections with national bodies, industry and further education providers, and analysing the data on the skills that local employers need, the authority’s employability service, East Lothian Works, creates an increasingly diverse range of opportunities that benefit young people and county businesses.
Supporting a strong construction sector
A Construction Skills Network report found that Scotland’s construction industry needs more than 25,000 new workers to meet demand for growing output from 2022-2026. Local developments such as housing, new commercial spaces and the infrastructure to support growth offer a visual reminder of the opportunities the sector can offer.
A Regional Construction Skills Academy was established in Wallyford Learning Campus in partnership with Edinburgh College to deliver qualifications and routes into the industry. National Progression Awards (NPA) in Construction Craft Level 4, Introduction to Construction Fabrication and Welding. As well as a nationally-recognised qualification, young people are also securing employment.
Eight of the eleven students who completed the Fabrication and Welding course in 24/25 went straight into employment with some security apprenticeships with structural engineering and fabrication firm Had Fab, based at Macmerry. Meanwhile other Academy alumni have found employment with Balfour Beattie and Morrison Construction in roles created as a result of council contracts on the former Cockenzie Power Station site and Whitecraig primary school respectively.
Increasing women in STEM
The service has also been working with Developing the Young Workforce and EDF to increase the number of young women considering a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Last year a group of 45 girls from East Lothian secondary schools visited Torness to learn more about careers within the STEM sector and to mark the launch of the organisation’s apprenticeship recruitment. The S3 to S6 pupils, all studying science, maths and CDT subjects at school, took part in practical activities by building droids and fixing equipment, and learned about health and safety. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive and follow-up visit is planned.
Appreciating apprenticeships
Alongside traditional qualifications and routes into employment, East Lothian Works continue to work with schools and local employers to develop apprenticeship opportunities.
Foundation Apprenticeships offered in school give pupils the chance to combine traditional learning with industry experience. Foundation Apprenticeships are offered in Accountancy, Business Skills, Scientific Technologies, Social Services Children and Young People and IT Software Development.
As well as a national qualification, a number of young people have then secured Modern Apprenticeships post-school within bodies such as Scottish Water offering them employment alongside the chance to continue their education.
The service has also worked closely with local businesses, including the council, to create apprenticeship opportunities meaning young people can secure an opportunity while organisations can benefit from fresh talent, funding and support for the roles.
No wrong path
Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “East Lothian Works’ focus on partnerships is critical to the success of its programmes. The team works proactively with employers to understand their individual needs, uses national and sectoral data to identify economic drivers, and with schools to develop curriculums that will maximise the opportunities available to young people after school.
“The work that they’re leading is creating real opportunities for our young people, setting them up for success in whatever path they choose.”