Scottish Government places faith in third sector to get young people into work
Another 1,000 young people will be placed in employment, thanks to Scotland’s third sector.
It comes after the Scottish Government announced £6.1 million further funding for Community Jobs Scotland.
The announcement was made as thousands of charities came together for The Gathering, the annual event for third sector organisations organised by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).
Community Jobs Scotland is run by SCVO, and places young people into paid employment lasting between 6-18 months.
The scheme has already created 5,546 jobs for young unemployed people.
Martin Sime, chief executive, SCVO said: “This is fantastic news for young people, charities and communities right across Scotland."
“Community Jobs Scotland works so well because it gives young unemployed people the chance to make a valuable contribution to their community, and earn a wage and build new skills at the same time.
“Young people see the benefits of becoming more actively involved in their local area, and doing their bit by supporting other people and making their community a better place for everyone to live.
Community Jobs Scotland works so well because it gives young unemployed people the chance to make a valuable contribution to their community
“By investing in young people, including young offenders, young people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, and care leavers, Community Jobs Scotland ensures that they don’t just get the extra support they need to find work but they also gain first-hand experiences of making a real difference to other people’s lives.”
Dionne McHugh, aged 21 from Clydebank, employed as a catering assistant at Unity Enterprises through the scheme said it had boosted her employment prospects.
"Glad I ended up with a full time job and really happy I did not have to go back to the Jobcentre. It's great to have some money for a change,” she said.
Alan Busson, chief officer, Gordon Rural Action in Aberdeenshire, who has employed young people through Community Jobs Scotland said staff employed through the scheme have brought new blood, fresh ideas and youth into the organisation.
“We have been so impressed with the staff recruited that we have taken some of them on as long term employees and they have a great future ahead of them.”
