A youth project which will give north-east teenagers the opportunity to learn traditional boat building skills has been launched.
The outreach programme, which is sponsored by energy giant Chevron, is based at The Boatshed in the Banffshire fishing village of Portsoy.
Pupils aged between 14-16 from the nearby Banff Academy will now be offered an out-of-school opportunity to develop skills through the practical course.
The hope is that they would then be in a position to start a construction or ship building apprenticeship.
Alan Horberry, rector at Banff Academy, said: “We are delighted to support and be part of the youth boat build project sponsored by Chevron.
“We already have a strong and productive partnership with Portsoy Community Enterprise and the project enhances this partnership to the benefit of some of our most educationally vulnerable pupils.”
Portsoy Community Enterprise (PCE), formerly the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, is based at the village’s harbour.
The training programme will include wood working and construction skills alongside numeracy and literacy teaching.
Successful participants will be encouraged to apply for specialist apprenticeships in Portsmouth or Lowestoft and be offer future work at The Boatshed.
Alex Yelland, Chevron Upstream Europe’s policy, government and public affairs manager, said: “Chevron seeks to build partnerships that support the economic and social development of the communities where we work.
“We invest in programmes that teach young people about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and vocational training programmes that lead to employability, jobs and enhanced skill sets.
“We are delighted to support the Youth Boat Build Project and hope it will inspire the participants to pursue a career using the skills they learn.”
Local MP Eilidh Whiteford joined local pupils at the launch. Last night she said: “The project is an absolutely fantastic resource which will give youngsters in the Banff area the kind of real, hands on training and life skills that employers really value.
“It builds on the good work done establishing the Boatshed, and credit is due to the staff and volunteers at Portsoy Community Enterprise, staff at Chevron and Banff Academy for bringing the project to fruition.”
