Trainees take the right path to success

The careers of two boys who were among the youngest ever full-time students to attend Inverness College are on the right path to success with Inverness-based employer DMH Blacksmiths Ltd.

Fred McKandie from Cromdale and Ben Watt from Grantown attended the college at the age of 14 to undertake engineering qualifications as part of the innovative Vocational Pathways Programme.

The scheme, set up as a pilot by Inverness College and the Highland Council in 2001, helps bridge the gap between school and employment for young people aged 14-17.  

The programme has won national awards including one from the Scottish Qualifications Authority and another by the Scottish Further Education Unit which has used it as an example of best practice in the further education sector.

It has now been developed and extended to support the Highland Council in delivering a key recommendation of the Scottish Executive's 'Determined to Succeed' initiative, which requires local authorities to provide vocational opportunities for pupils over the age of 14.

As a result of the programme, Ben and Fred who are now 16 years old are currently working on a range of DMH's steel fabrication and engineering contracts across the Highlands at the same time as undertaking a Fabrication and Welding modern apprenticeship (MA).

Modern Apprenticeships in the local area are funded by Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (INBSE).

Susan English, development manager from INBSE, said: "Fred and Ben have done exceedingly well and are making good progress towards their MA. As well as providing training on the job they both still attend college as part of the MA to supplement their skills with formal study."

A recent independent review, commissioned by Inverness College and the Highland Council, into the Vocational Pathways Programme revealed that attendance at the college increased motivation, improved attendance at school, increased self-esteem and enabled students to be more informed about future career opportunities. An overwhelming 97 per cent of pupils said they would recommend the programme.

Acting head of engineering at Inverness College Neil Clayton said: "The success of students like Ben and Fred show how well the programme works. In the last year, around 250 students from across the Highlands have participated in the programme.

"Schools do have to give special permission for students under the age of 16 to attend the programme, but for many it can be the difference between leaving school with no prospects or leaving with some vocational training under their belts that helps open doors in other areas."

DMH's managing director Mark Lynch is full of praise for the boys as well as the programme. He said: "Getting a basic grounding of what to expect from working life has given our two trainees a real head start. When they came into the job they had an idea of what it would be like and what to expect and this has made a crucial difference to their progress. Very quickly they were able to make a real contribution, and that's a big consideration for a small business looking to take on trainees."