Trainees’ first steps in world of work

A group of young people are taking their first steps on the road to success through a winning partnership between New College Lanarkshire and Amey.

The training programme, entitled Entry to Work with Amey, is preparing another 10 trainees for the jobs market through a mix of employability skills and practical work experience.

They are following in the footsteps of William Smith, 19, from Motherwell, who earned the coveted title of Lanarkshire Apprentice of the Year 2016 after completing the same course.

The trainees had six weeks of tailored classroom-based study at the Motherwell Campus of New College Lanarkshire.

Amey is a leading engineering consultant and public service provider that employs more than 1,500 people in Scotland.

Work placements could be in the company’s social housing, roads, railways, waste disposal or administration teams.

The pro g ramme – supported through Skills Development Scotland’s Employability Fund – aims to enhance opportunities for unemployed people living in North or South Lanarkshire, while developing skills for employment.

Successful candidates will receive a SQA Certificate of Work Readiness Award on completion of the course.

Stuart Matson, Community Programmes Manager for New College Lanarkshire, said: “New College Lanarkshire is one of the largest providers of Employability Fund provision in Scotland and we are delighted to continue our partnership with Amey.

“These programmes provide an invaluable opportunity for young people to develop their skills with a major national employer.”