A NEW skills partnership is to help East End schoolkids take their first steps into the working world

Housebuilder McTaggart is delivering the programme at Lochend High, in Easterhouse, which will see S4 to S6 pupils put through a training scheme for the next 32 weeks.  

Glasgow Times: Dylan, left and Dean, both 16, on Friday Dylan, left and Dean, both 16, on Friday

The developer will make use of their nearby Abbeycraig Road site and work closely with Tigers Training. 

Ross Hammell, McTaggart Construction’s sutainable communities programme manager, said: “This programme seeks to offer young people from one of Glasgow’s most disadvantaged areas the opportunity to gain meaningful skills and qualifications.

Glasgow Times: Pupils Jessica, 16, Rebecca, 15, Michael, 16, Darren, 17, and Christopher, 16Pupils Jessica, 16, Rebecca, 15, Michael, 16, Darren, 17, and Christopher, 16

"We’re delighted by the strong interest shown by the students at Lochend High School and their enthusiasm for the programme so far.”

Glasgow Times: Ricky, 15, left, and Steven, 16Ricky, 15, left, and Steven, 16

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: “The pilot programme will allow young people to achieve a work-based learning qualification at an earlier stage in their learning. 

Glasgow Times: Stefan Oliver of Tigers Training with S5 pupils JessicaStefan Oliver of Tigers Training with S5 pupils Jessica

“We are hopefully showcasing that our school is not just about academic achievements, but it is about recognising the individual strengths of young people and allowing them to access opportunities that are aligned with their hopes and aspirations for the future."