Project Developed to Get Young People Ready For Work

1st December 2012

New employer-assessed Certificate of Work Readiness currently being piloted.

YOUNG people in the Highlands have been participating in a pilot project enabling them to demonstrate their work-readiness to employers.

The new employer-assessed Certificate of Work Readiness, developed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) – is being trialled in five areas across Scotland.

This pilot coordinates with SDS’s new approach to supporting people and enabling those seeking a positive path into training or employment to get the one-to-one support they need from a work coach.

SDS work coach Alex MacDonald was on hand to see some of the first participants pick up the new qualification in Inverness on 19th November 2012.

“I have loved every moment of working on this pilot,” Alex said: “The young people involved have all learned so much working towards this certificate. Each one has moved on to employment or further education so it has been really rewarding.”

He added: “The results are testament to the success of the new work coach role. It is allowing us to work closely with the individual and really understand their needs. The pilot has been a success for everyone involved but most importantly, it has delivered positive outcomes for the young people involved.”

Among those receiving the Certificate at the graduation ceremony in the Archive Centre in Inverness, was Dean Andrew.

Through discussions and activities agreed with his work coach the 18-year-old from Tain was able to identify his strengths and options.

Dean also benefitted from the support provided by Barnardo’s Works’ employer liaison officer, Aidan Tracey who organised a work placement for Dean with Asda’s Inverness store. Dean enjoyed learning new skills and felt the experience helped him learn about different roles in the workplace and build his confidence. He hopes to be working in Asda’s new store in his home town of Tain.

Aidan said: “It is always a highlight to see young people grow in confidence and start to fulfil potential through gaining employment.”

He added: “Working with SDS and partners, we hope that the Certificate of Work Readiness will become a trusted Scottish qualification which will encourage employers to take on young people and help young people evidence their potential.”