Pupils from several Aberdeen schools have had a flavour of what it would be like to be on 'The Apprentice' by perfecting the famous Aberdeen Football Club matchday pie.
The budding entrepreneurs worked with the University of Aberdeen to get a taste of what it would be like to design and market a brand new matchday pie.
The matchday pie is a favourite among local football fans, with thousands being sold at Pittodrie at each home game and the creative young team savoured the opportunity to come up some new formations.
Some of the suggestions kicked around included the Meaty Treat, made of steak and custard; the caramel, whipped cream and berries pie; and the Pittodrie Quarter Pie, with each quarter containing either burger, pizza, chocolate or apple.
Working with Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust (AFCCT), Pam Cumming, Schools Engagement Officer at the University of Aberdeen, visited a number of local primary schools, delivering creative sessions on marketing and this project has been a favourite with the young people who took part.
The youngsters learned about different marketing techniques and terminology which were used as the basis for their ideas.
They carried out a market research exercise, considered advertising strategies, received top tips on their presentations and were soon pitching their ideas with jingles and dance routines to their class, sharing their decisions about branding, pricing and promotion.
Pam said of the project: “I’ve loved delivering this workshop in so many classes and you could see there is a real desire for some sweet pies amongst our younger generation. I feel lucky to be able to deliver a workshop related to topics so close to the kids’ hearts – football and food – whilst also raising awareness about the University of Aberdeen.
“Working with AFCCT has opened up doors to some new schools for me, allowing me the opportunity to talk about University life and showcasing what University is all about.”
Claire Garrett, Primary Education Team Lead from AFCCT said: “We are delighted to continue our work with the University of Aberdeen in offering young people in our partner schools the opportunity to learn new transferable skills within their work with AFCCT. The University of Aberdeen workshops allows us to educate the young people about the community around them and to raise their aspirations in a fun and entrepreneurial way.”
Among many positive comments from the pupils, some said: “I loved drawing the pies and presenting them. I enjoyed working in a team and making a poster. I would love to visit the University. I liked how we found out about the societies, they sounded fun!”