Pilot scheme helps pupils with additional support needs

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A pilot project is being launched in Renfrewshire to help school leavers with additional support needs explore the world of work.

The event is being run by Renfrewshire's 'More Choices, More Chances' partnership and is designed to introduce young people with additional support needs and their parents to the different options and support available to them.

The pilot aims to develop the employability skills of young people while they are still at school by arranging work experience and workplace visits to different industry sectors, conducting mock interviews and helping develop CVs.

The project will also develop partnership working with parents, carers, teachers and school staff and other organisations.

Each young person involved in the pilot project will have an individual plan drawn up focused on helping them get into employment.

Councillor Eileen McCartin, convener of Renfrewshire Council's community and family care policy board, and Councillor Lorraine Cameron, convener of Renfrewshire Council's education policy board, will attend a launch event at Mary Russell School.

Partners involved in the pilot scheme are Kersland School and Mary Russell School, Renfrewshire Council's education and social work departments, Enable Scotland, Careers Scotland, Reid Kerr college and Jobcentre Plus.

Councillor Eileen McCartin said: "The majority of young people with additional support needs want the opportunity to work and get as much out of employment as everybody else. This pilot project will offer wide-ranging support to young people and their families in exploring the different options available to them as they approach school-leaving age."

At the launch, guests will hear previous school leavers from Mary Russell and Kersland schools speak about their experiences in the world of work.

There will also be talks from employers, and Enable Scotland, on how they will work with young people, parents, schools and employers. Representatives from Jobcentre Plus, Renfrewshire Council social work services, Reid Kerr college and Careers Scotland will also be on hand to give information and answer questions.

Councillor Lorraine Cameron said: "By offering support earlier and introducing work experience and information while still at school we are opening up possibilities for pupils which they might not have considered before."

Press release: Tuesday 17 June 2008