North Lanarkshire Council honours youngsters involved in record-breaking Student Summer Placement Programme 2025
This year saw more applications than ever before, with the total number of placements rising from 127 last year to 191.
Every participant successfully completed the seven-week paid placement
(Image: Jacqui Bradley, North Lanarkshire Council)
Talented youngsters from across North Lanarkshire were recognised at a special celebration event marking the successful conclusion of the council's record-breaking Student Summer Placement Programme 2025.
This year saw more applications than ever before, with the total number of placements rising from 127 last year to 191.
Every participant successfully completed the seven-week paid placement, making this year's programme a standout success.
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The scheme also expanded to include young people from ASN backgrounds, and new external placement sectors were introduced, including digital, automotive, political, nursing, podiatry and occupational therapy, alongside returning opportunities in Health and Social Care, Built Environment, NHS Lanarkshire, external construction companies and council services.
Attending the awards ceremony at Ravenscraig Sports Facility, North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy said: "It's been fantastic to see how much these young people have learned and grown over the past few weeks.
"Their enthusiasm and the skills they've picked up have really stood out.
"This programme has given them a great start, and I want to say a big thank you to the council staff who made it all happen and to the employers who gave their time and support. It's been a real team effort."
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Part of North Lanarkshire Council's One Workforce Plan and Brighter Futures initiative, the programme prepares young people for the world of work while addressing recruitment challenges in key industries.
The ceremony was a chance to celebrate the hard work, progress and teamwork shown by the students, managers and everyone who supported them throughout the summer.
The ceremony was a chance to celebrate the hard work, progress and teamwork shown by the students
(Image: Jacqui Bradley, North Lanarkshire Council)
Fiona Whittaker, chief officer (people resources), added: "This programme has grown into a great opportunity for our young people to gain meaningful experience across public and private sectors.
"I'd like to thank everyone who helped make this possible, our people resources team, managers, mentors and employer partners, including NHS Lanarkshire and the many brilliant businesses who took part.
"The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it's fantastic to see some of these young people already securing sessional employment as a direct result of their placements."
For more information on career pathways, and opportunities with North Lanarkshire Council, visit www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
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