Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) have begun an exciting pilot programme in support of a group of Huntly S5 pupils, thanks to the support of energy company, Vattenfall.
At the beginning of November, the Trust launched week one of Pittodrie Pathways in The Gordon School, working with a group of 17 pupils keen to engage with AFCCT to further their skillset in advance of the next steps in their career.
Delivered by Secondary Education Team Lead, Fiona Ingleby, the weekly double period throughout the 25/26 school year will allow participating pupils to gain valuable insights into the options available to them beyond school, whether further education or the workplace.
Students who graduate the Pittodrie Pathways programme will do so with both SQA Qualifications at National Four level, and key skills in community engagement; social and practical aptitudes for life after secondary education. The aim will be to work with a range of industries to ensure that a variety of opportunities are created to meet individual needs and aspirations.
The Gordon Schools Rector, Phil Gaiter said: “We’re very excited to be taking part in Pittodrie Pathways. The programme will really support our young people by developing key employability and transferable skills, supporting them towards their positive destinations. A big thank you to Vattenfall for their backing of the programme.
AFC Community Trust does what is says – a trusted delivery partner who are really engaging with our young people at the right level, facilitating learning, boosting their confidence and sending a ‘can-do’ message.”
In addition to the classroom based theory and workshopping, pupils will also be given the chance to visit Pittodrie Stadium, home of Aberdeen Football Club, and gain valuable insights into the wide variety of roles that go on behind the scenes at a professional football club, including retail; hospitality; and operations.
Kerry Birse from Pittodrie Pathways partner, Vattenfall said: “Vattenfall is delighted to be working with AFCCT to deliver the Pittodrie Pathways programme at The Gordon Schools in Huntly, which is where our Clashindarroch II Onshore Wind project is based. We’re proud to be the driving force behind the initiative, supporting a group of S5 pupils with employability, mindset, and wellbeing. We work closely with the school already so we’re super excited to bring these pupils a whole new offering as they get ready to enter the world of work or further education.”
For more information on Pittodrie Pathways, please email info@afccommunitytrust.org or visit www.afccommunitytrust.org
