Firms sign up to offer youth workers a chance

Companies urged to offer 16-24-year-olds a 90-day paid job

A Fife-based scheme which helps young people into employment by offering 90-day paid placements is encouraging firms of all sizes to sign up to the programme.

More than 25 companies in Tayside and Fife have joined the Hand Picked campaign, which was established by Dunfermline glazing company CR Smith. As well as offering a taste of working life on a temporary contract, the scheme also encourages the youngsters, aged between 16 and 24, to receive mentoring and support.

CR Smith boss Gerard Eadie is aiming to have 100 companies in the area backing the programme, which is supported by schools, the third sector and employment agencies.

He said: “I am delighted with the response to the campaign. It is really pleasing to see our local business leaders showing their support for young people and the workforce of the future.

“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.

“This is how businesses can invest in everyone’s future and I encourage more employers to join us.”

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

Businesses can also become part of the Hand Picked campaign by running an academy for young people in their local community.

Supported by CR Smith and delivered from the employer’s perspective, the academies offer a picture of working life and provide candidates with the confidence and skills to set them up to compete for jobs successfully.

Top: Pauline McGreevor, Hand Picked project manager, participant Adam Stanley and Bill McGraw, FiFab. Above: Brian Banks, Marine Harvest, and participant Charli Skinner.