Around 4,000 children from secondary schools have taken part in a scheme to help them plan their careers.
The Tomorrow’s Talent programme, set up by DC Thomson, helps fifth year pupils make informed and ambitious choices about their futures.
Seven hundred volunteers from businesses from across Dundee, including DC Thomson, Thorntons Solicitors and the Alliance Trust took part in the project, which sees staff take part in group discussions about their work with pupils
Tomorrow’s Talent was set up four years ago in order to give youngsters more confidence about entering the working world.
Ellis Watson, executive chairman of DC Thomson Media, said: “We are incredibly proud to have created and supported Tomorrow’s Talent since its inception four years ago, and to have had a hand in inspiring and equipping almost 4,000 young people to a fantastic future ahead of them.
“I have personally seen dozens of young people walk into these sessions nervous and apathetic and a couple of hours later be transformed into self-confident job-hunters looking forward to finding out what their potential could deliver.”
The programme includes performances by actors from Tricky Hat Productions, who depict the travails of two young people as they seek to make big decisions about their future after school.
Several pupils have gone on to secure apprenticeships with local businesses through Tomorrow’s Talent including 19-year-old Ryan Munro who has just qualified in digital creative media after a placement with DC Thomson Media.
He said: “Tomorrow’s Talent has brought me to where I am today.
“It has helped me in a time when I didn’t really know which path to pursue professionally. This year I took part as a volunteer and it was great to give back and share my experiences with the students.”
Dundee City Council said the programme played an important role in equipping the city’s young people with the tools for securing future employment.
Paul Clancy, executive director of the local authority’s children and families service, said: “On behalf of Dundee City Council we would like to thank DC Thomson, Thorntons Solicitors and Tricky Hat Theatre Company for delivering such an inspiring and engaging programme.
“Delivery took place across all secondary schools in Dundee.
“This type of opportunity with such a diverse range of professionals, offered our young people the chance to speak directly with volunteers, which they would not ordinarily get the chance to do.”
