Stirling and Clacks pupils are ideal employment candidates

The Ideal Candidate programme – a Robertson-led initiative delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government’s Developing the Young Workforce and supported by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – helps young people prepare for the workplace.

Participants in the eight-week programme gain a range of skills, including curriculum vitae writing, social media awareness, and interview preparation. Participants can gain SCQF Level 3 and 4 Certificate in Employability Skills through the programme.

23 young people from Wallace High in Stirling and Lornshill Academy in Clackmannanshire were presented with certificates to recognise their achievements.

David Cairns, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “It’s inspiring to see young people so engaged in developing skills that will help them thrive in the world of work. The Ideal Candidate programme supports them to build confidence, recognise their strengths and develop practical tools they can take forward into any future workplace. Supporting the next generation in this way is a vital part of how we deliver social value alongside our construction work.”

Clackmannanshire Council Leader, Councillor Ellen Forson, said: “It was great to meet the young people from Lornshill Academy and congratulate them on completing the Ideal Candidate programme.

“Clackmannanshire Council is determined to make the most of the City Region Deal to back our young people—giving them the skills, support and confidence to thrive at school and beyond.

“Programmes like this are a brilliant way to help young people realise their potential and take their next steps.”

Stirling Council Depute Leader, Councillor Jen Preston, said: “Major investments such as the City Region Deal are creating a wide range of exciting opportunities for our young people in high-growth and emerging sectors as well as other industries.

“The practical skills and knowledge that pupils have secured during this programme will give them a head-start as they make the next steps in their future careers.

“I was delighted to present the certificates to all the participants, hear their positive feedback and pass on my congratulations.

At the end of the Ideal Candidate programme, pupils who participated were given a tour of the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH), which is due to open later this year. 

The state-of-the-art facility - funded by a £17million investment by the UK Government through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal, as well as a £1million Wolfson Foundation grant - will drive the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in modern aquaculture practice.

NATIH will be fully integrated into the University's world-renowned Institute of Aquaculture, the UK’s leading centre for aquaculture research, which includes a large-scale marine facility at Machrihanish in Kintyre and a freshwater facility at Buckieburn near Denny.

Professor Paul A. Townsend, Deputy Principal (Research and Innovation) at the University of Stirling, said: “The University of Stirling is committed to supporting young people to fulfil their potential, and to invest in them the skills and attributes that will enable them to succeed.

“That’s a mission we hold for everyone, not just our students. We use our role as an anchor here in the Forth Valley to help support prosperity and to create opportunities for all people, so that together we can live better, safer, healthier lives.

“So, it was an honour to present local pupils with their Ideal Candidate certificates – I’ve no doubt the skills they have gained through this programme will help them in the next step on their journey, whatever they choose to do.”

NATIH is being built by Robertson Construction Central East, and the construction project is delivering a range of local social and economic benefits, including the Ideal Candidate programme.

The Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal is a £90.2million investment from the UK Government and Scottish Government in innovation and infrastructure that will drive inclusive economic growth throughout the region.

Regional partners, including Clackmannanshire Council, Stirling Council, and the University of Stirling, will invest up to £123.8million, resulting in a Deal worth more than £214million, to be delivered over 10 to 15 years.