GREENOCK school pupil Reyna McWilliams is building a bright future as she reaches top of the class in construction at college.
The 16-year-old is one of the students who have signed up for a pioneering schools programme run by West College Scotland.
Inverclyde Academy pupil Reyna is getting valuable hands-on experience in the workshops at the Finnart Street campus and learning skills to carry her into a career.
Now she plans to study in further education full-time, as she sets her sights on a job in the building industry.
Fifth year pupil Reyna said: "I like it in the college, learning about joinery and all the practical experience I get.
"The lecturers are great and have helped me learn new skills and build my confidence.
"I started off really quietly, but now I feel like I can speak up and ask questions.
"At school I always really loved woodwork so the college joinery is great.
"I look forward to coming here every day."
Reyna and others on the programme are supported by school liaison co-ordinator Sandra Gardiner.
She helps give pupils experience on all sorts of courses, from childcare to sport and construction.
With nearly 400 senior pupils enrolled in the WCS programme, it is opening up crucial opportunities for a new generation.
Sandra said: "Reyna is a star, she has worked so hard to get through the programme.
"She has put all the effort in and worked extra hours to get the credits to pass the course.
"She is brilliant to work with and it's so rewarding to see pupils like Reyna come in and grow in confidence.
"The young people are learning skills that will get them jobs and we work very closely with local industries."
Reyna's fellow Inverclyde Academy pupil Ruairidh Fisher is taking on a foundation apprenticeship in joinery.
He said: "I split my time between school and college.
"It is great to be in here in the workshop getting practical experience."
*Anyone wishing to find out more about the schools programme can get details by visiting the West College Scotland website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel