New unit teaches workplace skills

Pupils put their skills to practice in the mechanics workshop

A vocational training unit which includes a beauty salon and a car mechanics workshop has been opened at a secondary school in North Lanarkshire.

Pupils at St Andrew's High School in Coatbridge can study hospitality, beauty therapy and mechanics without having to travel to a local college.

Visiting lecturers from Coatbridge College will help teach the courses.

North Lanarkshire Council wants to increase the number of its schools offering vocational training on site.

Stewart Murray, the council's quality improvement manager for learning and leisure services, said : "We would like to make vocational education an option for all third and fourth year pupils.

"But we feel it should be part of the school curriculum delivered in the school where possible.

"The very obvious benefit of this is that it saves time spent travelling to and from a local college."

It used to be a lot of hassle getting a bus up to the college, but now you can just head into the workshop and get started John Wheelan Auto-mechanics pupil

He added: "For courses like beauty therapy and auto-mechanics, a partnership with the local college ensures that the school gets lecturers with expertise in these areas.

"We are also trying to give the youngsters courses and training that have a workplace relevance."

Third year pupil Nicola Hutchinson, 14, who is studying beauty therapy, said: "Having the salon here in the school is great. We are learning how to do manicures, facials and how to work at the reception desk."

John Wheelan, 15, wants to be a mechanic when he leaves school. He said: "It used to be a lot of hassle getting a bus up to the college, but now you can just head into the workshop and get started."