July 2007

MGt and Kirkcaldy High School have won Best Business Partnership Award at the recently held Scottish Education Awards for their joint Business Ready programme.

Recognising a need for a more formal relationship and approach to helping students make the transition from full time education to successful employment, MGt and Kirkcaldy High School decided to work together to develop a programme of activities to raise awareness of the working environment and to prepare students for entering the workplace.

Some of the initiatives so far undertaken include work shadowing on MGt sites, job application skills and interview preparation. MGt also delivers sessions to students on preparing for work, discussing communication skills as well as general business orientation through workplace tours.

Head Teacher, Gwen Kinghorn, commented, "The partnership provides the opportunity to raise expectations, set the highest standards and introduce pupils to working life within a supported and familiar environment, easing the transition, for those who choose to take it, from full time education into full time, gainful successful employment."

Rhona Campbell, Head of Marketing at MGt also stated, "We are delighted to win the Award and with the success we have achieved to-date with the programme. MGt is committed to this partnership and to giving pupils of all levels and abilities the opportunity to succeed in employment."