Change lives with Hand Picked 100

Scotland’s only employability programme run by a private business has launched a new campaign to identify 100 companies to become part of an exclusive Hand Picked 100 initiative.

CR Smith’s scheme helps young people aged 16-24 gain new skills and boost their career opportunities by finding them a 90-day paid job with support and mentoring from their employer.

Under a banner of “you take on, they take off“, CR Smith boss Gerard Eadie is leading the call for 100 employers from businesses of all shapes and sizes to join the Hand Picked network.

Companies already on board include Taylor Wimpey, FES Ltd and James Donaldson & Sons. Hand Picked also has the backing of local schools, the third sector and employment agencies.

Mr Eadie said: “I fundamentally believe that it is employers who create jobs and it follows that employers are best placed to teach young people about the workplace.

“So, if we are serious about shaping the future workforce for a more prosperous Scotland, it is down to employers and business owners, like me, to step up and get involved. That’s why Hand Picked was formed.

“Our aim is to find jobs for 100 young people and we are calling on employers and businesses of all sizes to join the campaign and become a lifechanger.

“I am asking 100 employers to give one young person a 90-day paid job so that they learn the expectations of the workplace and take that experience on to their next job interview.

“That is how businesses can invest in everyone’s future.”

Hand Picked identifies and places young people into paid jobs and the employers that take them on become part of a highly visible business network with a mission.

There are Hand Picked events, PR support is provided and each business will receive recognition and acknowledgement online, in local media, in government reports and through the use of the Hand Picked 100 campaign logo.

Businesses can also become part of the 2018 Hand Picked campaign by running an academy for young people in their local community. Full support for the academies is given by CR Smith.

The programme has received the endorsement of former prime minister Gordon Brown, who recently visited an academy run by CR Smith.

Taylor Wimpey East Scotland production director Martyn Campbell said: “Hand Picked is a great learning tool for young unemployed people and the academy week is great for both prospective employers and the students.

“It gives the young people the opportunity to work in a team environment where their strengths and weaknesses come to light.

“They grow in confidence from the tasks set during the week and this prepares them to be professional and positive in their approach to employers when attending interviews for any jobs.”

Adam Jackson, of Lochgelly High School, said: “The Hand Picked Academy has been an invaluable partner to Lochgelly High School for a number of years now.

“The programme provides pupils with a unique insight into how to best present yourself as available for employment based on a business perspective. “

Contact Pauline McGeevor at Pauline. mcgeevor@handpickedscotland.co.uk or call 01383 747641 for more details.

Former prime minister Gordon Brown visits an academy run by CR Smith. Picture: Rebecca Lee Photography.