A DOON Academy supported learning centre pupil has gained vital confidence and experience in her first steps towards employment.

Tammi Grover, 15, recently spent a week on work experience at Sovereign Credit Union after impressing staff when they visited the school.

The Dalmellington teenager worked alongside staff visiting schools, making cash collections, helping to organise financial education lessons and completing financial paperwork.

Tammi believes the work placement has been an invaluable experience. She said: “I’ve gained lots of skills and it has given me an insight into the world of work. I’m looking forward to leaving school and getting a job now.

“I’ve learned how to prepare lesson plans and work with primary school children and it has been a good experience. I’m really grateful I got the opportunity to show what I could do.”

Junior Savers Development Officer Jane McFadzean was full of praise for the Dalmellington teen.

She added: “Throughout the week Tammi has been professional and mature. She engaged with pupils and staff really well. She also helped to design and prep lessons for primary pupils, one of which will now be rolled out across our other schools.”

Cumnock-based Sovereign Credit Union works with seven schools across Ayrshire through its Junior Savers Project, which is funded by the Scottish Government.