Unemployment programme celebrates major milestone
APROGRAMME to tackle unemployment h a s recently reached a major milestone. The Wheatley Works programme, which is part of Wheatley Foundation, provides a range of employability programmes, as well as apprenticeships and job opportunities.
The programme is designed to help people find work for the first time or return to employment after having a break.
The scheme was first launched back in 2018 by Jamie Hepburn MSP, minister for higher education and further education, youth employment and training.
Now, the programme has celebrated its 3000th job and training opportunity created.
Jamie Hepburn MSP, who met Wheatley staff to celebrate the achievement, said: “As we face the cost of living crisis, it’s important that people are given the help they need to thrive.
“The work of the Wheatley Foundation is a great example of partnership working and it has been hugely successful in providing life- changing employability opportunities.
“I would like to congratulate everyone who has taken part in this programme over the past five years and the Wheatley Foundation on this milestone.”
Professor Paddy Gray OBE, Wheatley Foundation chair, added: “We are delighted to welcome the Minister back to hear about the success of the Wheatley Works scheme and for him to speak with tenants about the difference it is making to their lives. “It is a credit to the team at the Wheatley Foundation that this has been achieved despite a long period of time when the pandemic saw many of our partners shut or restrict their work.
“We know how difficult it is to find work in the current market. That is why the Wheatley Works programme is an invaluable support for so many people in homes across Scotland who want to gain employment but need a helping hand.”
David Evans, 43, from Milton in Glasgow, is one of the 3000th jobs and opportunities created through Wheatley Works. Following his on- site placement through a Trades Taster course, he was offered full- time employment with McTaggart Construction in Glasgow.
David said: “The Wheatley Foundation course was really important in getting me mentally ready for work. That was invaluable. I’ve now got a lot more belief in myself.
“Anything I need, I know I just needed to pick up the phone. That was more beneficial to me than anything else – just knowing there was someone there to talk to if I had any issues.
“The job is still a challenge, but that’s probably part of the appeal of it. I am trusted to get things done on sites. It makes me feel part of the team. I want to keep developing and getting involved as much as I can.”