GLASGOW, Scotland, February 19 /PRNewswire/ -- A Dundee lass who found herself homeless at aged 15 is one of six young people to be honoured tomorrow (Wednesday 20th February) as a "Scottish Achiever of the Year 2008."

Now a full-time hairdresser, Julie Hardie slept on friends' floors until a local shelter helped her to find a flat. Training charity Rathbone then taught her life-skills and combed job pages until she found work.

Open to all 1300 trainees at Rathbone Centres across Scotland, the Achievers Awards honour those who have made significant progress through learning. They will be presented at a glittering ceremony at the Scottish Parliament.

Julie joined Rathbone on a course to improve skills such as budgeting, housekeeping and cooking. Mixing well with the other trainees helped build-up her confidence and she took the massive step of finding work for herself at a salon. Her winning streak continued as she began to build bridges with her family.

Lanarkshire Achiever Christine Ramsay also left home in her mid-teens - but found living independently tough going. She has gained skills galore over the last year and now wants to return to Rathbone to teach teenagers. Dundee dad Ryan Mitchell fell in with the wrong crowd and ended-up in trouble. But the promising 17-year-old defender recently had trials with Cowdenbeath and Hamilton and has ensured he has the skills to work in construction should he fail to become a pro footballer.

Julie Hardie said: "When I first met the Rathbone staff, I was so glad that they made me feel welcome and gave me a chance on the programme. I was worried that I would have to leave if I didn't have anywhere to stay but it all worked out for me and I have even got my dream job - for the moment!"

Rathbone Scotland Achievers of the Year 2008 Name Age Award From Paula Ewart 17 Get Ready For Work Vocational Award Dundee Julie Hardie 17 Lifeskills Award Dundee Ryan Mitchell 17 Get Ready for Work Core Skills Award Dundee Allan 16 Choices Award Kilmarnock Patterson Christine 18 Get Ready for Work Personal Law, Ramsay Development Award Lanarkshire Karen Whittet 17 Skillseekers Award Dundee

For further information: Please contact Peter Gibson on +44(0)7879-248-722.