During 2025/26, Fife Council delivered a pilot Area Improvement Academy to support adults with learning disabilities to gain practical skills, confidence and experience to move closer to employment. Led by the Employability and Education Services, the initiative brought together partners including Fairway Fife and Robertson Homes to provide a structured, real-world learning opportunity.

The programme focused on providing meaningful work experience through a live community project at Thornton Primary School. Over six weeks, five trainees worked alongside an instructor to design and build a raised planter in the school playground. Delivered one day per week, the academy combined hands-on construction activity with supported learning in a real work environment, helping participants develop practical and transferable skills.

All trainees were supported by Fairway Fife, a charity working with adults with learning disabilities, and were selected based on their readiness to benefit from employability-focused activity. Participants were provided with appropriate equipment, guidance and supervision throughout, ensuring a safe and supportive experience while building confidence and independence.

A key feature of the programme was its strong partnership approach. In addition to the on-site experience, Robertson Homes supported delivery through funding and hosted a site visit at a live housing development in Glenrothes. This provided trainees with insight into the construction industry, helping them understand potential career pathways and the realities of the workplace.

The impact of the academy has been both immediate and longer-term. All participants successfully completed the programme and engaged in follow-up discussions about their next steps. Most have since continued engagement with the Employability Service to access further training, work experience and support towards paid employment. The programme has helped participants see employment as a realistic and achievable goal, increasing confidence and awareness of available support.

The project also delivered a visible benefit for the wider community. The completed planter is now a permanent feature in the school playground, supporting outdoor learning and helping pupils understand topics such as sustainability and climate change. Feedback from the school community has been highly positive, with parents, pupils and staff highlighting the difference the project has made to the space.

The initiative directly supports the Plan for Fife priorities of tackling poverty and preventing crisis and community wealth building. It also contributes to ambitions around improving employment opportunities, supporting inclusive growth and enabling individuals to play an active role in their communities. By combining employability support with community benefit, the project demonstrates a practical, joined-up approach to inclusive economic development.

Looking ahead, partners are exploring opportunities to expand the model to other schools and community settings. Continued investment in this approach will help create more pathways into employment for people facing barriers, while delivering positive improvements within local communities across Fife.