Pupils from Robert Burns Academy have been involved in the launch of a new partnership aimed at supporting youngsters into employment opportunities.

Scottish charity, WorkingRite, announced the significant partnership with global customer engagement company Webhelp, and Think Human Foundation.

This new partnership, designed to support 40 disengaged pupils across three East Ayrshire schools into jobs, apprenticeships or vocational college courses when they leave, was launched last month.

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WorkingRite, a local employability charity, has been testing this model across East Ayrshire schools for the last two years with impressive results.

More than 80% (41 young people) achieved a start on a working career of their choice. Most came to Rite to Work with a history of poor school attendance, disengagement from lessons, and little confidence in their futures.

What they achieved by the end of the programme greatly exceeded their expectations.

WorkingRite now hopes that what started in East Ayrshire will expand to benefit many more schools throughout Scotland.

Paul McGurn, Deputy Head, Robert Burns Academy said: "Rite To Work was developed at the exact time we needed it: post-Covid, when we really needed to increase support to our young people who were living and learning in very challenging circumstances.

"The project offers valuable mentoring and support to prepare young people for leaving school and transitioning into work and we would love to see the pilot replicated throughout Scotland."

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Sandy Campbell, founder of WorkingRite, added: “We are delighted to launch our partnership with Webhelp and Think Human Foundation.

"As a charity, we are excited by the potential of this new model of employability support for young people before they leave school.

"Rite to Work is bridging a void that can open up for too many of our young people as they approach their school leaving date.

"By giving them the mentoring and coaching support they need whilst they are still at school, Rite to Work is helping each of them to transition seamlessly into a confident working future.”