Brechin Academy experience Bypass project
Pupils from Brechin Academy have become the first pupils in Angus to complete the GOALS (Gaining Opportunities And Life Skills) programme, which is being delivered by the contractor for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project.
The GOALS programme, which was developed by GOALS UK, is an accredited motivational programme. It was offered to eight pupils who will enter S3 in August 2017 and enabled them to learn tips and techniques that help make top sportsmen, entrepreneurs and leaders successful. The three-day course was held at the new construction hub at Brechin Community Campus.
Malcolm Findlay, General Manager for Aberdeen Roads Limited, explained:
“Construction isn’t just about building roads or structures, we see the benefits of leaving a lasting legacy beyond the immediate construction works.
“As such, we work closely with schools and employment and training providers. From our discussions, it became clear that we could offer some school pupils a programme that would help them prepare for a life after school.
“The GOALS programme delivered by our team helps young people gain the confidence they need for the future and is tailored to meet the needs of the pupils taking part. Hopefully, it will also raise an interest in the construction industry and some of them will consider a career in this diverse sector as a result.”
Each of the pupils were given an individual award to accompany the GOALS workbooks, which they get to keep.
One of the participants, Aimee Reid, said of her experience:
“Amazing, I feel so much more confident in myself than what I did at the start.”
Archie Bathgate, Head of School, added:
“We are really grateful to the AWPR/B-T contractor coming in and offering motivational support. Building resilience is important and by building it at an early stage there will be a real benefit. We here at Brechin strive to gain positive outcomes for our pupils and community. This GOALS programme fits very well with that aim and we would love to see it offered to all our pupils.”