An ambitious group of teenagers has been equipped with skills to prepare them for their careers.
Moray Council threw the doors of the authority open to seven students from schools across the region for internships.
The youngsters had their eyes opened to the range of services the council provides by experiencing work in the design, social care and trading standards teams.
Forres Academy pupil, Owen Walters, originally wanted to pursue a career in sound engineering, but is now considering a different path.
He said: “The highlight of the experience for me was working with a graphic designer. I now know that design is something I want to continue with.”
The students that embarked on the internships at the council are taking part in a two-year Career Ready scheme.
The programme is designed to build links for youngsters in the area to help them sample a workplace environment while guiding them towards a potential career.
All the teenagers were given a mentor to help guide them through the placement at the council.
Lossiemouth High School pupil Declan Gordon said: “I’ve been learning about the history of the Duke of Edinburgh awards in Moray and working on pulling together an exhibition about it.
“My mentor Karen Delaney has been so supportive and has pushed me out of my comfort zone, which I’ve really benefitted from.”
Education officer Maxine Scott added: “Having young people engage in work-related learning with us gives them a much better understanding of Moray Council as an employer.
“It’s also great for us to get a young and fresh perspective on our work and the processes we use here.”