The innovative six-week programme, welcomed 23 students from local high schools, priority groups and New College Lanarkshire to help prepare young people to become the workforce for tomorrow.

The awards ceremony took place in Motherwell on Thursday 9 August to mark the end of the summer placements as many of the young people prepare to return to school and further education.

The students were matched to work placements across different council and health and social care services, including the Social Work Joint Equipment Store, Home Support, Fleet & Waste, Employee Service Centre and Business & Digital.

Angela Campbell, Convener of Education, Children and Families explained: “This programme has proved to be an outstanding success and one we aim to build upon in the future. It has been wonderful to welcome such a talented and enthusiastic group of young people into the workplace and they have made such a positive difference over these past weeks.

“The aim of the placement scheme was to inspire and inform our young people about the many different career opportunities which exist within the council and health and social care settings and provide them with the real-life experiences needed to give them a head start in gaining job opportunities.

"Investing in our future workforce is crucial to building a strong, vibrant community. We believe in fostering a positive introduction to the world of work, teaching essential skills and nurturing teamwork. These skills will undoubtedly bolster their job applications and university or college admissions.

“Their families, schools and colleges should be very proud of them. I hope they all go away with positive memories and experiences of their placements. We are also delighted that some of these talented individuals have already secured sessional contracts, a true testimony to the power of placements leading to employment."