A new Education and Training Programme called Academy9 was launched at Kingussie Academy as part of the A9 Dualling Project today. The initiative aims to develop the educational awareness of careers Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics throughout the life of the A9 dualling programme. The programme also has the potential to offer training and apprenticeships for young local pupils, ensuring that the job creation associated with the dualling project benefits the surrounding communities.
Commenting at the event held at Kingussie High School, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey, Drew Hendry said:
“I am very passionate about this Academy9 initiative, indeed all projects that look to educate young pupils about careers in STEM industries. I was, therefore, very happy to join the Cabinet Minister and Transport Scotland to see, first hand, the potential this fantastic educational initiative offers.
“One of our biggest challenge in the Highlands is our low wage economy and I want to ensure that young people living here are given skills and opportunity to change this. We can be world leading in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics sectors, right here in the Highlands. I am thrilled that pupils growing up alongside the A9 dualling will have the chance to train and work on the project.
“Not only does the A9 dualling project provide much needed investment in our local infrastructure, it also offers valuable job opportunities, allowing us to tackle our low wage economy whilst providing unique career opportunities for our young pupils of today.”
The launch of the A9 Dualling Programme initiative was made at Kingussie High School by Transport Scotland, the Cabinet Minister, Keith Brown MSP and the Highland Council. The initiative developed in conjunction with Kingussie High School, Perth and Inverness Colleges, is aimed at 9 year olds as these pupils will be school leavers in 2025. They will experience the A9 dualling from design to final construction.