A north-east secondary school is in line for an upgrade to help boost the job prospects of its pupils.
The overhaul of the ageing workshop within Banff Academy’s technical department will take place during the summer holidays.
In addition to modernising the school’s facilities and boosting safety it is hoped the improved learning facilities will better prepare students for the workplace.
The project has been welcomed by Banff Academy’s parent council whose chairman, John Walker, said it was a “huge vote of confidence” in staff and the school.
He also believes the move will benefit companies hoping to take on any school leavers from Banff Academy.
Mr Walker said: “The Parent Council is delighted that Aberdeenshire Council is investing in the technical department facilities at the school.
“The provision of a safer environment is of paramount importance, but it will also provide a great boost to the learning environment.
“It is a huge vote of confidence in the senior management of the school and the staff in the technical department, and well deserved.
“We are optimistic this will lead to benefits for local employers in terms of improved preparation of pupils for the work environment.”
Macduff councillor and former Banff Academy pupil Mark Findlater said it will mean major changes to a workshop he himself used more than three decades ago.
He said: “The Academy’s technical department is getting a much needed makeover, which will be undertaken over the summer holidays.
“The equipment and benches have not changed much since John Walker and myself were pupils at the school more than 30 years ago.
“If we want our bairns to be work ready, to learn the skills that will help them in their future careers, we must have the right tools and modern facilities to make it happen.
“The head teacher, John and the administration’s local elected members have been lobbying to make this happen and we have been successful.”
Construction work on the council-funded project is due to start in July and should be completed by October.
Councillor Gillian Owen, the council’s education and children’s services committee chairwoman, said: “Technology is vitally important for sustaining our future.
“I am delighted that this fantastic improved workshop will give the budding technology experts at Banff Academy a modern and high quality facility in which to study.”
