Moray Council help interns become Career Ready

THE dedication and commitment of interns hosted by Moray Council has been praised as they completed their placement today (Friday).

Seven students from secondary schools across Moray, who're taking part in a two-year Career Ready programme, had an internship at the council.

Each intern was supported by a mentor and took part in delivering services like social care, trading standards and design.

Vivienne Cross, Head of Schools and Curriculum Development, said the Career Ready programme is unique, with young people having a business mentor and an internship.

“It’s really exciting for us to host a number of interns who, judging by their presentations, have really gained from the experience and in particular have developed their work ready skills. The most exciting part is that as a major employer, Moray Council has benefitted greatly from their input, ideas and creativity and the projects they have worked on individually and in teams. We’re proud of them all.”

Sixteen year-old Declan Gordon is in sixth year at Lossiemouth High School, and said he couldn’t have asked for a better mentor or experience.

“I’ve been learning about the history of the Duke of Edinburgh awards in Moray and working on pulling together an exhibition about it. Karen has been so supportive and has pushed me out of my comfort zone, which I’ve really benefitted from.”

And it’s not just the interns that benefit as Karen Delaney, Declan’s mentor, explains.

“It’s been a pleasure seeing a group of shy, sometimes awkward, teenagers come into work, grow their skills and blossom. They’ve all done themselves proud.”

Owen Walters from Forres Academy originally wanted to pursue a career in sound engineering, but the experience has led him to consider another path.

“The highlight of the experience for me was working with the graphic designer, Angus. I now know that design is something I want to continue with.”

Maxine Scott, Education Support Officer – Skills for Moray Council, said: “Having young people engage in work-related learning with us gives them a much better understanding of Moray Council as an employer. It’s also great for us to get a young and fresh perspective on our work and the processes we use here.”