A project working to help young people make the transition from the classroom to the wider world has been boosted thanks to a leading local engineering firm.

The award-winning Findon-based AMC Engineering Ltd has been announced as the sponsor of Gear Up 2 Go, a new project conceived in the Portlethen school network which helps equip young people with the skills they need to take the step from school into work, training or further education.

The programme will run for a total of 36 hours within the school day and will be facilitated by Aberdeenshire Council Community Learning and Development. Input will include the likes of Skills Development Scotland, employers and training providers, and participants will be rewarded with a certificate of achievement on completion of the programme.

Lynn Buchan, Senior Community Learning and Development Worker, explained: "Gear Up 2 Go is in direct response to the challenges young people find when faced with entering the increasingly competitive or saturated job, training and education market.

"Sitting within the Scottish Government’s ‘More Choices More Chances’ strategy, it is anticipated that the early intervention nature of the work will offer participants an opportunity to learn skills prior to breaking links with school and being affected by the potential isolation this transition can cause. Pupils in the S4, 5 and 6 year groups will be invited to take part and contribute."

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Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education, Learning and Leisure Committee, Cllr Richard Stroud, said: "Deciding what to do after leaving school can be challenging for young people, and it is important pupils are equipped with the skills they need to make informed decisions.

"Gear Up 2 Go is an example of a tool that aims to provide these skills and give our young people the best chance of succeeding when they take the next steps."

Vice-chair Cllr Isobel Davidson said: "Developing links between schools and businesses is a valuable tool for sharing skills and expertise and I am delighted that AMC Engineering is sponsoring this initiative."

AMC Engineering Ltd managing director Andrew Polson added: "We have a long history of employing school leavers, including those from the local area, because we believe in training and investing in the future, so Gear Up 2 Go is an ideal project for us to support and we are delighted to do so. We are also grateful to local community councillor Kevin Fraser for introducing us to this excellent project.

"This year has been a very busy one for the company, not least thanks to our highly commended placing in the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise and win at the Northern Star Business Awards so we are pleased to be giving something back to the community in recognition of this momentous year."

AMC Engineering Ltd was established in 1988 and specialises in the bespoke design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of market leading torque equipment and associated products for major oil and gas service companies. Key markets include Africa, North and South America, Canada, Europe, the Far East, Middle East and Russia.

The company is part of Forum Energy Technologies which employs more than 3,000 people in their operations in the USA, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.

(GK)