Engineering a bright future for Glenrothes pupils

Head teacher Neil McNeil's plans were given the green light this week. Picture by Steven Brown Photography.

The £125,000 project, which will be based in a converted former garage at Glenwood High School but will also be utilised by pupils from Glenrothes and Auchmuty schools, has now been granted the final £50,000 needed to make the facility a reality.

The workshop will provide an engineering training facility for S4 pupils to gain a wide range of skills and qualifications that will give them a head start when applying for jobs in the burgeoning science, engineering and renewable energies sectors.

Additionally the facility will also work in partnership with Fife College and engineering businesses across the Glenrothes area.

Glenrothes councillors approved the cash following a £75,000 award having already being secured from Scottish Futures Trust, and it’s now hoped the project could be completed this year.

Neil McNeil, head teacher at Glenwood who came up with the idea, told the Gazette the project would open up a whole host of new opportunities for pupils.

“I’m delighted we have now been given the green light. The workshop and the partnership we have with Fife College and local businesses represents a huge opportunity for pupils as they move towards gaining full time employment.

“It will enhance the school curriculum and help meet the recognised need for more wide ranging qualifications and skills-based learning.”

Cllr Brown, Glenrothes area committee chairman, said: “Many young people attending high school in Glenrothes will benefit from this new initiative.

“Not only will it be a positive learning experience, but it’ll give youths a chance to work on practical skills that relate directly to the world of work. They’ll also gain a recognised qualification in energy engineering.”