School-employer partnership continues to develop the workforce of the future
Business Writing Challenge
With a shared passion and commitment to developing young people, Castle Water and Blairgowrie High School have partnered again. Their joint initiative aims to help pupils build their literacy skills and improve employment prospects. The Business Writing Challenge is open to S5/6 pupils and encourages entrants to focus on their report writing skills. Castle Water offers all prize winners the opportunity of a paid internship over the summer holidays.
This year, pupils also received a mini business writing workshop. It aims to provide the tools and tips for crafting clear, correct and courteous digital correspondence.
Eleanor Rutherford, Head of English, said: “Following the success of last year’s competition, we were very pleased to see increasing numbers of S5/6 pupils engaged in the Business Writing Challenge and we were very impressed by the standard of entries received.
“The literacy skills we teach in school are vital. By working with Castle Water, we can demonstrate the importance of effective writing beyond the school gates. The Writing Challenge encourages our young people to remember the key principles of effective communication. This will help them to make the right impression at college, university or work and throughout their adult life.”
Developing the workforce of the future
Castle Water CEO, John Reynolds OBE, said: “In working with Blairgowrie High School and by building strong links with our business, we can deliver joint initiatives to enrich and enhance education. We’re promoting the type of skills that most employers need. We can also raise awareness of the work experience and career opportunities available with Castle Water. Through this partnership, and in supporting national initiatives such as Developing Young Workforce, our aim is to improve the recruitment potential and preparedness of young people for life after school. This is a big part of our commitment to the local communities in which we operate.”
Competition entrant, Roisin Penny, said: “Entering the Castle Water Writing Challenge has definitely helped me to develop my writing skills and become more aware of what employers look for. From job applications to writing for work, this will be useful in the future. It has also been great to learn more about Castle Water and the range of placements and work opportunities available.”
Blairgowrie High School Headteacher, Bev Leslie, said: “We thank Castle Water for their tremendous sponsorship and support. Partnering with a proactive local employer in this way is invaluable in enhancing the curriculum and in helping us prepare pupils for life after school. A number of our pupils have already gone on to work with Castle Water and we are delighted that further work experience and employment opportunities are available to pupils again this year.”
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