Aviva supports Perth and Kinross tech-enthusiasts

Authored by Aviva

Aviva has supported the next generation of tech enthusiasts in Perth and Kinross for the second year running, with its Technology Work Placement for S3 and S4 students, based in its iconic Pitheavlis building at its Perth city site. 

The week-long placement for S3 students in mid-May, encouraged them to fully immerse themselves in working life at Aviva, exploring various roles across the technology department in areas such as cyber, risk and claims, and learning valuable transferable skills in communication and teamwork.

Students also engaged in project work and took part in a variety of workshops designed to help equip them with the skills they need to get ready for their future careers. These included CV writing, interview preparation, and applying for graduate schemes and apprenticeship roles, alongside more holistic seminars such as protecting health and well-being at work.

Dhruva, an S3 student on the Aviva placement in Perth, said: “This week was really fun, educational, and helped me understand what working in a real business is like.”

While Milan, said: “It was an awesome week and definitely one of the more memorable of my life. I’ll be back!”

For Aviva employees who took on the role of site leads as part of their own volunteering efforts, the placement week provided the opportunity to share their time, knowledge, and experience with students from their local communities, while also benefiting from the dynamism, energy, and fresh perspectives that young people bring to a company.

Lyn Macdonald, IT business partner at Aviva, and Perth site lead, said: “It was a great week with the students, who all engaged really well with the project and activities provided. It was fantastic to watch their confidence grow throughout the week, and we are now so excited to host S4 students at the end of May.”

Tiffany Bain, IT Care Operational lead at Aviva and Technology Work Placement lead for Perth, added:

"It’s crucial that employers encourage and empower young people from their local communities to prepare for and navigate life beyond school, and providing opportunities for work experience is key to equipping students with the essential skills needed to get ready for their future careers.  

"The technology work placement is not just for students with a background in technology, and at Aviva, we are proud to offer inclusive and accessible opportunities to people from all walks of life.

Throughout the programme, we witnessed incredible growth in our participants, and their hands-on experience will not only hone their technical abilities, but also foster invaluable soft skills like team-working, problem solving and relationship building.

The Technology Work Placement is supported through Aviva technology department’s, diversity, equity, and inclusion fund. This year the scheme focused on not only increasing the number of places available, but also increasing gender diversity among participants, increasing participation of students from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds, and ensuring the scheme was disability inclusive.

David Macluskey, Service Manager (Secondary) Education, at Perth and Kinross Council, says: 

“Perth and Kinross Council Education and Learning is delighted to work in partnership with local businesses such as Aviva.  It’s fantastic to see pupils preparing for their next steps beyond school, but also know that at the same time, we are supporting our business community to secure their future employment pipeline in these growing sectors to create economic growth and sustainability.”

Current S3 and S4 students aged 14–16 who are interested in gaining valuable work experience with Aviva can apply for the 2025 Technology Work Placement cohort via Aviva’s website.