The Community Jobs Scotland (CJS) programme is looking for employers to help support young people into the world of work

A national charity body is reaching out to voluntary sector employers across Scotland in a bid to get more young people into work. 

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has helped thousands of young jobseekers across the country find work through its Community Jobs Scotland (CJS) programme, which works with voluntary sector organisations to offer young people aged 16 to 29 years a job. 

The programme focuses on those who are most disadvantaged in the labour market, such as care leavers, carers, young people with convictions, those with disabilities or mental health issues, those affected by substance misuse and military service leavers. The latest phase of Scottish Government funding has just been announced so charity bosses are being invited to get involved now, to help create hundreds of jobs over the 12 months. 

Lorna Forrest, head of service delivery at SCVO said: “CJS not only gives a young person a job and helps them to develop both professionally and personally – which in itself is a fantastic opportunity – it also helps voluntary sector organisations by improving the service they provide and bringing more resource, experience and skills to their work, which is never more needed than right now, as the sector continues to support communities through the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.” 

Up to £5,000 is available for each completed CJS contract, with an upfront payment followed by monthly amounts to help cover the employee’s wage, NI, pension contributions, support, induction and on-the-job training.  

SCVO is hosting a free online information event on 15 March which will allow potential employers to ask questions and find out more about the programme from existing CJS employers and employees – visit https://bit.ly/37RZeyR to register.  

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture Fiona Hyslop will also be speaking at the event. She said: “We know that young people have been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Working closely with the third sector, we will continue to do all we can to ensure this generation receive the support they need to succeed. Since November alone, our Young Person’s Guarantee has created around 18,000 opportunities for people aged between 16 and 24 to help them into work, education or training.  

 “These are the kind of measures we are taking, working alongside business, trade unions and the third sector, as part of a national mission to create jobs as we recover from Covid-19. It is essential that young people, who will make up our future workforce, have the opportunity to build their confidence, gain industry insight and develop valuable skills that employers require.” 

As part of SCVO’s ongoing commitment to preparing young people for the world of work and creating opportunities for those who face barriers to employment, it recently signed up as an employer with the Young Person’s Guarantee, a Scottish Government initiative which offers young people the opportunity to get an apprenticeship, fair employment through work experience, participation in a formal volunteering programme and training.  

If you would like to find out more about the Community Jobs Scotland programme, contact moira.cuthbertson@scvo.org.uk