More than 250 young people from across North Lanarkshire have been recognised for their achievements at a special celebration event after taking part in the council’s growing early careers programmes.
Held at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, the event brought together students, modern apprentices, interns, placement providers, mentors and employer partners to celebrate another successful year.
Record numbers on Summer Placement Programme
A record 207 students completed this year’s seven-week paid Summer Placement Programme, up from 191 last year and almost nine times the number who took part when the initiative launched in 2023.
The event also celebrated North Lanarkshire Council’s Modern Apprenticeship Programme, which currently supports 73 apprentices, and its first Internship Programme, offering opportunities to 15 university students across a range of professional disciplines.
Experience across council services
Across all three programmes, participants gained valuable experience in council services and with employer partners in areas including health and social care, digital, education, business support and the built environment.
Together, the programmes help young people build confidence, develop workplace skills and explore future careers while supporting workforce development across North Lanarkshire.
Provost and chief officer praise participants
North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy said: “It was a real pleasure to meet so many talented young people. Every one of them should be proud of what they’ve achieved over the past few weeks and months.
“I also want to say a huge thank you to our council services, placement providers, mentors and partners who have shared their time, experience and encouragement. Programmes like this simply wouldn’t happen without their support.
“I’m also grateful to our event sponsors – Virgin Media O2, QA Ltd, McLaughlin & Harvey, McTaggart Construction, Mears Group, Brakes, sportscotland, Adult Health & Social Care and Active NL. Their backing helps create opportunities that can genuinely change lives.
“These programmes are about so much more than work experience. Our young people have built confidence, learned new skills, worked as part of a team and discovered what they’re capable of.
“North Lanarkshire needs talented young people like them, and I hope many will go on to build their future right here in our communities.”
The Summer Placement Programme forms part of North Lanarkshire Council’s One Workforce Plan and Brighter Futures initiative, helping create meaningful opportunities for young people while building the workforce of the future.
Fiona Whittaker, Chief Officer (People & Organisational Development), said: “It’s fantastic to see how these programmes continue to grow, giving more young people the chance to gain experience, build confidence and take their first steps towards rewarding careers.
“My thanks go to our dedicated teams, managers, mentors, placement providers and employer partners. Their commitment has made a real difference, and it’s wonderful to see so many participants leaving with new skills, greater confidence and, for some, the opportunity to move into employment with us or one of our partners.”
The event celebrated the achievements of everyone who took part and highlighted the strong partnerships helping develop the next generation of talent across North Lanarkshire.
