Award shortlist recognises commitment to young workforce - Macphie

We have been named as a finalist in this year’s Northern Star Business Awards in recognition of our work with a local school.

Having formed a partnership with Mearns Academy in Laurencekirk last year, we have both been shortlisted for the Inspiring Futures award.

The award celebrates schools and businesses working together to inspire the younger generation and prepare pupils for the world of work.

Career

In the last 12 months, Macphie has given pupils at the local secondary school a taste of opportunities in the food industry by attending career fairs and challenging pupils to come up with their own healthy cake brand.

Focusing on preparing pupils for the workplace, the business has carried out mock interviews with senior learners and donated over £8,000 in IT equipment which are being used in the classroom to teach skills including CV writing and managing personal finances.

Chairman Alastair Macphie said: “To be shortlisted for this award is a fantastic achievement.

“Our engagement with schools is part of our wider connection with local communities but also plays an important part in informing the next generation of the workforce about career opportunities in the food industry.

“This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without employees from across the business getting involved in a variety of school projects over the last year.”

Skills

Mearns Academy’s Principal Teacher of Achievement Katherine Nepute said: “With input from Macphie, we’re able to expose our young people to activities carried out in the workplace.

“These tasks might be carried out on a much bigger scale in the real world, but they use the same skills we’re now able to explore in the classroom – from research and planning to project management and teamwork.

“Macphie is helping to provide practical examples that highlight the importance of soft skills which are often overlooked as pupils focus on academic achievements.”

Partners

Macphie’s partnership with Mearns Academy supports the school’s involvement with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) programme. DYW is a Scottish Government funded initiative that aims to forge relationships between schools and the business environment.

The company has also partnered with two other schools – Mackie Academy in Stonehaven and Uddingston Grammar in north Lanarkshire.

The winner will be revealed at the Northern Star Business Awards annual ceremony which takes place on Thursday 27 September at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).