Hard work pays off in the end
Alison Rennie
A Ferguslie Park resident who was unemployed for 20 years, a woman who turned her life around and a female car mechanic who tackles stereotypes are all winners at the 2018 Renfrewshire Employability Awards.
Employers and work training services nominated people they’ve supported through Renfrewshire’s employability programmes.
And the winners of the nine categories were announced at a glittering reception at Paisley Town Hall, hosted by TV and radio presenter Bryan Burnett.
Renfrewshire Council depute leader Jim Paterson said: “These awards are always a proud occasion celebrating the outstanding successes of the people seizing the opportunities Renfrewshire’s employability programmes have given them.
“It is also a chance to give thanks to all the partner agencies and local businesses who are working collaboratively to deliver results.
“Together, our economy is growing and our employment levels now rank among the highest in Scotland.
“We are determined to build on this platform and this year committed five years of funding to further this, with support targeted to reach the people and the places who need it most.”
And the winners of the nine categories were Christopher Morris, most promising new employee; Bobby Quinn, most promising new entrepreneur; Rachael Gray, top intern; Toni Elliot won best trainee; Lindsay Murray won CV builder (adult) and apprentice of the year is Rachael McGregor.
Achiever of the year Amy Orr has landed a permanent job as a housekeeper at Hunterhill Care Home after struggling to find employment.
She worked with Project SEARCH, which supports young people with additional support needs.
Over the nine- mont h programme and three work placements, Amy’s personality shone as her confidence soared and she transformed from being too scared to speak to addressing hundreds of people at her graduation ceremony.
Ronnie Lockhart, who picked up the progression in work award, was unemployed for 20 years before deciding to change his life.
With the support of Invest in Renfrewshire, Ronnie started on a programme as a gardener with Linstone Housing Association and has flourished, gaining qualifications in first aid, fire safety, cement rendering and landscaping.
His commitment and natural aptitude led to him getting a job as a grounds maintenance assistant with Tivoli landscaping services where he helped transform the Tannahill Centre.
Emma Gormley, winner of the CV builder (youth) award, wanted to be a car mechanic while she was still at school but was worried being female and shy would work against her.
She spent her final year at Paisley Grammar building her CV by taking part in the Greenpower Programme at West College Scotland and studied a motor vehicle course part-time.
As the driving force behind Renfrewshire’s Goldslam Team success – and setting the fastest lap time behind the wheel – Emma grew in confidence and is now an apprentice mechanic at Arnold Clark, where she also acts as an ambassador encouraging more young females to consider a career in engineering.
The night concluded with Special Recognition awards for local businesses who have gone the extra mile in helping people prepare and progress in work.
These awards went to Glencoats Afterschool Care, Wholesale Domestic Equipment Company Ltd and Linstone Housing Association.
More than 1,000 local businesses support the council’s Invest in Renfrewshire programme which is based at the Russell Institute building on Causeyside Street, Paisley.
It helps 1,400 people each year, providing direct access to vacancies, work experience, training, personal support and finance.
The awards are organised by Invest in Renfrewshire on behalf of the Renfrewshire Employability Partnership and the 2018 awards were sponsored by RAMH, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce; Skills Development Scotland and Linstone Housing and Health and Social Care Partnership. Achievement