School pupils in Dumbarton and the Vale were given an insight into the business world recently.

Youngsters were given the opportunity to learn about different career opportunities by visiting local firms across the area.

The trips were part of the 'Schools2Business Week', organised by Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, which aims to help young people develop the skills they will need to forge a successful career.

The scheme also hopes to inspire and help pupils develop skills to meet the needs of the local economy.

Damon Scott, chief executive of Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: ”The idea was to inspire the young workforce of the future and to help them build an understanding of the skills needed within the variety of fantastic businesses and industries we have in our area.

“We were delighted with the response with brilliant support from our members and employers and more than 300 registrations for local school children to take part in the visits. The feedback from both schools and the businesses has been really positive and we plan is to continue to facilitate a series of visits across the academic year.”

Clydebank-based Clyde Training Solutions (CTS) were one of the chamber members that participated and hosted visits from several school.

Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce is continuing to put skills high on its agenda as part of an exciting new programme.

Gareth Mathias, general manager at the Marine, Offshore and Renewables training centre, was delighted to take part.

He said: “The visits went really well and we were really impressed with the enthusiasm of the P7 groups that came to us. Our staff really enjoyed it too and got a lot out of sharing their knowledge with a younger audience. The groups loved the Fire Fighting demonstrations and were particularly taken with our Helicopter Underwater Escape Training demonstration in our purpose-built Survival Pool. Apparently the pupils are still talking about the visit and the skills they need to work offshore.”

A wide range of West Dunbartonshire businesses supported the Schools2Business week including: Aggreko, Glenhead Engineering, West of Scotland Fabrication, Clyde Training Solutions, B-Able Business Services, European Circuits, Cameron House and Terasaki.

More visits are already scheduled for the new year with plans to continue to expand the range of sectors and businesses that the Chamber's Building Bridges programme connects schools into.

To find out more about how to get involved with Building Bridges and for support and sponsorship opportunities email skills@dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk, phone Damon Scott on 0141 280 0272 or visit dunbartonshirechamber.co.uk

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