Award for link-up with local school
Lang Toon business Tiny Touch and the Community School of Auchterarder teamed up to win an award.
They took the trophy for developing young workforce at the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards.
The new accolade was established in March and is led by the private sector, which has supported the award to showcase the excellent partnership work under way between local businesses and schools.
Ten ent ries were received, which made shortlisting and judging challenging.
These ranged from schools engaging with large employers through to smaller employers, all of whom displayed significant commitment to developing a rewarding relationship with benefits to both partners but especially to the pupils who took part.
The winning partnership grew from a conversation with guidance teacher Mark Stewart at a community partnership event where a number of local businesses were present.
Sue Brown, owner of Auchterarder baby boutique Tiny Touch, met Mark at the event and was excited to get involved.
They agreed to target a work experience opportunity for S4 pupils and 11 participated regularly on a Friday afternoon, focusing both on sales and window dressing activities.
The pupils were interviewed before starting their experience and one was selected for a one-week experience.
A school spokesperson said: “All the pupils involved have benefited greatly from the experience, growing in confidence and learning in particular about the importance of customer service and communication skills.”