By VIVIENNE NICOLL

THREE school pupils have completed a new work experience pilot programme with the Scottish Government.

Aaron Clark, Charlotte Smith and Nicole Kirk, who attend Rutherglen's Trinity High School, spent a day per week for 10 weeks in the social justice department where they had a chance to make a contribution to policy making and public consultation.

The highlights for the sixth year pupils included a tour of the Scottish Parliament, attending First Minister's Questions and meeting with presiding officer Ken Mackintosh, Rutherglen MSP Claire Haughey and politicians from across all parties.

They also visited traffic control at the new Queensferry Crossing where they took part in an ongoing consultation on Scotland's transport.

Karen Armstrong from the Scottish Government's social justice team said: "When it comes to work experience, some young people have more opportunities than others.

"We wanted to reach young people who perhaps would not have had the opportunity or know this was open to them.

"We spoke to Clyde Gateway who identified Trinity High for our pilot and asked pupils to write an essay about why they wanted to take part. Charlotte, Nicole and Aaron's responses were excellent.

"We made the programme flexible so although they were with us for a day a week, it could be on any day and some of the work could be done remotely.

"That made it much easier for the young people to commit to the programme without compromising their studies."

Pupil Charlotte said she found the work experience programme extremely valuable.

She added: "I have had the opportunity to find out about the many departments and people within the Scottish Government and what they do.

"For me, the best aspect was learning there are other paths after school than just university."

Brendan McCarthy, teacher of business education at Trinity High School, said: "We were very excited when Clyde Gateway invited us to take advantage of this pilot.

"As a school we were committed to ensuring our pupils are offered a wide and varied choice of employment experience opportunities and this was another fantastic venture that allowed a window into the world of the Civil Service."