Hazlehead and Maonor Oak celebrate 2nd year of Partnership
Hazlehead Academy's successful link with Manor Oak Honda continued with a special Awards Ceremony held at their premises. This marked the conclusion of a second year's placement for S4 and S5 pupils, both boys and girls. Overall top student was Angus Cheyne, seen below with Sales Director, Keith Johnston. A total of nine pupils spent one day a month with the company experiencing a range of  departments within the organisation. The highlight for most was the time spent in the workshop.

Aberdeen company drives pupils’ career ambitions
An Aberdeen school pupil is today celebrating after being offered a four-year apprenticeship with a leading city motor company. Manor Oak Honda has given Sam Mitchell the opportunity to become a vehicle technician through Honda’s official apprenticeship programme after he excelled during a recent work placement. Sam is one of 10 pupils at Hazlehead Academy who were recognised last night at a presentation ceremony held by Manor Oak Honda after they each successfully completed work placements as part of the government’s Determined To Succeed initiative.

 The youngsters gained an invaluable insight into the motor industry by working at the Lang Stracht dealership where staff helped put their careers on the road. Each S4 pupil spent six days working at the authorised Honda dealership, which specialises in providing new and used vehicles, under the Determined To Succeed scheme which aims to help Scotland’s young people develop self-confidence, self-reliance and ambition to achieve their goals in work and in life by developing links between schools and the business community. Through the scheme, Manor Oak Honda partnered with Hazlehead Academy by hosting the work placement programme, engaging pupils in all areas of the motor industry from vehicle repair and maintenance to sales and service as well as helping them to understand how the industry operates.

 
Above - Manor Oak Director, Alan McGuire presents Sam with his certificate

The placements, which were spread over five months, resulted in Sam being offered the apprenticeship at last night’s prize-giving event where he was presented with a Certificate of Excellence. The ceremony, which was held at the Manor Oak Honda premises on Whitemyres Place, was attended by the pupils and their parents. Aberdeen Councillor Jenniifer Stewart, who represents Hazlehead, Ashley, and Queens Cross, presented the prizes. Certificates were also presented to: Hayley Adams and Robert Wiseman (Certificate of Merit); and Kyle Murphy, Rory Millar, Jamie McLean, Iain Sutherland, Bruce Croll, Marcus Mace, and Greig Deans (Certificate of Achievement).

 Managing director of Manor Oak Honda, Allan McGuire, said he was very encouraged by the commitment shown by all the pupils: “The effort of these youngsters bodes well not only for the future of the motor industry but the workforce of the next generation as a whole. We are delighted to participate in the Determined to Succeed scheme which gives the future working generation an invaluable insight into industry while also strengthening business links with schools.” Mr McGuire congratulated all pupils on their success and said he believes Sam’s success will act as “a real motivation for pupils in the coming years”.

 Deputy head of Hazlehead Academy, Campbell Robertson, was delighted to see pupils of the school being rewarded for their talents and achievements. He said: “Our school has been very fortunate to work with Manor Oak Honda as part of the Determined to Succeed scheme. I am pleased for all pupils who have been given a fantastic head start in their careers through what they have learned from the work experience. Sam has also been given an exciting opportunity through the apprenticeship offer.”

Councillor Stewart said the partnership between Manor Oak Honda and Hazlehead Academy is a great benefit to the community. “I would like to see this partnership and others develop across the city to give more school pupils the same opportunities. It is important for pupils to be encouraged to pursue careers in professional trades as much as academic education when they plan for life after school. Key trades need to be sufficiently recognised as part of the continued effort to sustain our economy. “The Determined To Succeed initiative has proved proactive in addressing these issues. This is demonstrated through the Hazlehead Academy and Manor Oak Honda partnership which has already benefited pupils, aspiring to careers in the motor industry, in its first year. I wish it continued success.”