Inspiring “tomorrow’s talent” is the aim of a major initiative being rolled out in secondary schools across Dundee.
Hundreds of S5 pupils have already taken part in the innovative programme, which arrived at Morgan Academy on Wednesday.
The sessions feature actors in a range of role-pay scenarios, followed by group discussions involving employees from local firms DC Thomson and Alliance Trust.
As senior pupils prepare for what can be a somewhat bewildering world of work outwith the school walls, Tomorrow’s Talent aims to show just how the students can best prepare themselves for a bright and prosperous future.
The drama segments follow the travails of two young people as they seek to make big decisions about their future after school.
Faced by the choice of university, college, staying on at school or seeking meaningful work experience and buffeted by advice from well-meaning teachers and parents they struggle to find the right path.
However, aided by advice from the pupils, the actors explore just how they can set about improving their prospects.
Dozens of members of staff from both Alliance Trust and DC Thomson have been involved in facilitating group discussions a process which has been described as “hugely rewarding”.
“I participated in a session at Menzieshill and really enjoyed it,” said The Courier’s news editor Alan Richardson.
Ellis Watson, CEO of DC Thomson Publishing, said: “Between DC Thomson and Alliance Trust we’ve had around 100 colleagues spend a few fun, valuable hours with almost every S5 pupil in and around Dundee to help prepare them to take practical steps into the world of work.
“It’s been a great lesson in what can happen when local companies get out there and give a little bit of themselves to the community I think everyone’s won out of this.”
Sessions are to continue at schools throughout the next week and, come the end of the programme, more than 1,000 S5 pupils will have taken part.