MSPs commend third sector employability programme
The success of the Community Jobs Scotland (CJS) programme in transforming lives was celebrated during a debate in the Scottish Parliament.
There was cross party praise for the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) employability scheme, which has created 7,500 jobs for young people.
A motion, by Adam Tomkins MSP, commended CJS for its successes – and wished it more in the future.
MSPs heard the story of CJS employees Ryan Brown, who was in parliament to hear the debate.
He grew up amid family breakdown, the tragedy of a baby brother’s cot death, drug and alcohol addiction, and domestic abuse.
Ryan was taken into care, but he developed alcohol dependency and became involved with gang violence, subsequently spending time in prison.
However, his life was turned around by CJS and he now works with Move On’s housing education service, where he is responsible for working alongside volunteers in education to provide advice and information on housing, life skills, employability and homelessness.
Tomkins said: “I am told that he has now secured his first tenancy and is in a stable relationship. Thanks to CJS, he has a bright future ahead of him.”
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Dean Lockhart said: “I commend everyone who is involved with the programme, including the SCVO, for their hard work, which has made it a success.
“The programme has had a very positive impact on the lives of many young people throughout Scotland. Since its inception in 2011, the programme has created jobs in all 32 local authority areas in Scotland, including in Stirling, which is in my region.
“The programme has created almost 150 jobs in the Stirling area in sectors as diverse as conservation and hospitality and in the Scottish Gymnastics Association.
“In particular, the programme has reached into disadvantaged areas in Stirling through collaboration with bodies such as Raploch Community Enterprise, which has become recognised as a quality training and learning company. With the programme’s help, it has expanded rapidly since its creation less than 10 years ago.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently announced that CJS will be given £6.1 million investment.
