Some of the Belmont pupils pictured with their certificates for completing the Work Out! Programme.
Eleven pupils from Belmont Academy are one step closer to joining the world of work, thanks to a pilot work experience project run by South Ayrshire Council.
The Work Out! programme was specially designed to support youth employability by offering young people work experience and the chance to gain relevant vocational qualifications, across a range of services within the Council.
The 11 pupils from Belmont Academy were placed in Council service areas including administration, leisure, property and design, grounds maintenance, childcare, catering, and green keeping
During the 2009/10 academic year, pupils attended their work placement or took part in a range of development activities, one day each week.
Work Out! encouraged pupils to consider their future options, including training, further education or employment. All 11 also achieved nationally recognised qualifications in employability and enterprise, which included subjects such as: Core Skills in Working with Others, South Ayrshire Council training in Health and Safety, Customer Care and Interview Techniques, Confidence, Employability and Personal Development.
The intrepid eleven even took time out help others by packing bags at ASDA in aid of the Ayrshire Hospice where a grand total of £428.04 was raised.
At the end of the programme, the 11 were honoured with certificates of achievement during a celebration evening at Belmont Academy, hosted by Caroline Hainey, one of the Work Out! pupils.
The event was attended by Eileen Howat, the Council's Executive Director for Corporate Services, Councillor Robin Reid representing the Leadership Panel, Councillor John Hampton, Young People's Champion for South Ayrshire, parents and supervisors.
Councillor Hampton said: "I've taken a keen personal interest in the Work Out! Project and am really impressed by the way these Belmont pupils have taken to the world of work.
"They have maintained their school studies, while adapting to a steep learning curve as they learned more about work, as well as taking on additional training for national qualifications. They really are an impressive group of young people."
The evening closed with a presentation to the Ayrshire Hospice, who accepted a cheque for £428.04.