Celebrating trainees at graduation
Young people grew and developed skills after taking part in a unique training programme at Stirling’s award-winning community baby clothing shop.
Babes In The Wood Stirling Community Children’s Shop, Progressive Pathways and the Service Skills Academy Trainees’ end of programme graduation event took place recently at STEP Stirling to recognise the trainees.
Stirling Council provost Elaine Watterson was in attendance alongside Bridge of Allanbased Mid-scotland & Fife MSP Alexander Stewart.
Mr Stewart said: “This wonderful event rightly highlighted and celebrated the truly commendable achievements of the Service Skills Academy trainees, and marked their success in completing 12-week long, challenging but rewarding employability programme.
“The young people have been actively working in the retail store, learning core skills such as customer service, processing payment, visual merchandising and stock management.
“Progressive Pathways have also been developing their mental fitness and resilience for the workplace, building on their business skills, exploring their communication skills and working on their leadership abilities.
“Throughout the event, the trainees reflected on the journey they have been on.
“We also heard some poignant and inspirational personal stories from the learners themselves and marked these wonderful accomplishments with a presentation and certificate ceremony by Provost of Stirling, Elaine Watterson.
“A special mention must also go to the wonderful, local SCIO, STYLE Options and excellent local business Frances Hunter Hair and Beauty for their fantastic work in support of this wonderful programme.
“I would also like to heartily congratulate Babes in the Wood on receiving the Business in the Community Award at the Stirling Business Excellence Awards 2024.”
Laura Flannagan, director at Progressive Pathways said:“it has been such a privilege to play a part in this programme.
“We have watched the young people flourish and grow over the 12 weeks and we are so thrilled that some many of them are moving onto a positive destination.
“We are incredibly grateful to the employers who supported us, the referral agencies that helped fill the course and our phenomenal supporters, Frances Hunter Hair Salon and STYLE Options - who both helped our young people look and feel their very best on the day of their graduation.
“A massive thank you also to the Provost of Stirling, Elaine Watterson and Alexander Stewart MSP for joining us to celebrate the achievements of our graduates.
“We need courses like this, to be more available to the young people of Stirling. These programmes allow the participants to access opportunities to grow and develop their skills in a real world, work focused environment.
“Let’s hope the success of this course, paves the way for many future programmes.”
Linda Barrack, director and manager of Babes in the Wood Stirling – a not-forprofit Community Children’s Shop, stocking ‘preloved’ clothing, toys and baby equipment – said: “The team at Babes in the Wood were delighted to host this first roll out of our Service Skills Academy.
“We have very much enjoyed the opportunity to see the young people grow in both skill and confidence throughout the term of their work experience.
“We know they each have the capability to go on and bring their own unique approach to the retail environment and we wish them every success in the future.”