School leavers in North Lanarkshire have taken part in an innovative speed networking event to help them take their first steps into the workplace.

The event, hosted by North Lanarkshire’s Working and co-ordinated through the More Choices More Chances sub group, was held on Monday December 8 in the @Home Centre in Airdrie. A group of 60 pupils from six different North Lanarkshire schools were given the chance to meet representatives from public and private sector organisations and find out more about the wide range of opportunities open to them after finishing their studies.

The event was aimed at Christmas school leavers, who often face the threat of moving into economic inactivity due to the lack of permanent job options available during this period. Representatives from a wide range of organisations attended the event, including North Lanarkshire Council, Jobcentre Plus, Careers Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, and local colleges.

Attendee Nicola McCrory of Abronhill High in Cumbernauld feels that the contacts she made on the day will help her achieve her ambition of becoming a nursery teacher.

Nicola, 16, said: “The networking event was really useful and helped me think about what I want to do after school. I finish school in only a few weeks so I’ve been really nervous about what I’m going to do after.

“This event gave me the chance to meet a lot of organisations willing to give young people a chance as well as see many of the options for training and further education available in this area. I spoke with a lot of different people and felt much more confident about what I can do after I leave school.”

Nicola is now due to start a 13-week Get Ready for Work course at Cumbernauld College at which she is hoping to improve her personal skills and hopes that the contacts she made through More Choices More Chances will come in useful in pursuing her desired career.

Maureen McConachie of Head of Regeneration Services said: “This is the first event we have held with the More Choices More Chances Sub Group and it has been an incredible success. The feedback we’ve received from teachers and pupils has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re very pleased that the event was so well-received.

“Deciding on a future career can seem daunting for school leavers, so speed networking events are a great way for young people to meet potential employers and further education representatives in an environment less intimidating than an interview room.

“We are keen to build on the success of this event and are already planning more events to offer more pupils the opportunity to benefit, and we will also be looking to encourage representatives from a wider range of employment sectors to become involved.”

The schools that attended this event were Clyde Valley High in Wishaw, Taylor High in Motherwell, Abronhill High in Cumbernauld, St Andrew’s High in Coatbridge, St Margaret’s High in Airdrie and Bellshill Academy. With the success of Monday’s event, the scheme will now be expanded for future events to include all 24 High Schools within the North Lanarkshire area.

The More Choices More Chances Partnership group is chaired by Jane Liddell, head of Education, Quality and Development for North Lanarkshire Council.  Partners include Careers Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, Jobcentre Plus and local Further Education colleges.

For more information on North Lanarkshire’s Working’s services, contact the helpline number on 0800 0730 226 or log on to www.northlanarkshiresworking.co.uk