On 31st May, all new S4 pupils at Banchory Academy experienced a day of induction focussing on team building in partnership with local employers. The day focused on engaging activities to nurture key skills of: communication, problem solving, working with others and self-management.

The opening keynote speech was delivered by David Smart, CEO of Leys Estate, focusing on why skills matter and his own career path. David also gave the students insight into what employers look for when interviewing for a position and what individuals can do to stand out from the crowd.

Land & Property Assistant, Mhairi Robertson, and Communications & Marketing Manager, Susanne Shepherd, assisted with workshops and Q&A sessions with pupils throughout the day sharing their experiences of life after Academy and what attributes they felt were important for their specific roles. They were joined by representatives from Bancon Group and WM Donald Ltd.

The event was thoroughly enjoyable and forms one of the first parts of Leys Estate Group’s Education Strategy through strengthened links with DYW North East and schools throughout the Crathes, Banchory and Aboyne areas.