On course for employment

Two Airdrie men have secured jobs through a pilot employability scheme run by New College Lanarkshire and Malcolm Group.

Craig Hughes of Chapelhall and Aaron Nodwell from Airdrie are now respectively employed as traffic and warehouse administrators with the logistics, construction and maintenance services firm.

Both took part in the stage three “entry to work”course at the company’s Newhouse head office, completing six weeks of classroom training and nine weeks of work placement.

Training was delivered by college employability officer Gary Bryson, who previously worked for 18 years in warehousing and distribution.

He said:“Being able to study in a dedicated room at the Malcolm Group meant that the candidates could integrate with employees before they began their work placements. They also took part in work taster sessions that helped them to understand how the company operates.

“The staff were incredibly helpful in terms of the time, effort and patience they dedicated to our candidates and the success of this pilot scheme means that we hope to develop it further in the future.”

Malcolm Group training and development adviser Gillian Mullen said:“We were impressed by the high calibre of applicants and those candidates who progressed on to the programme.

“It’s a great way to prepare individuals for the workplace by making them aware of the skills and attitudes employers expect them to have. The involvement of the college and the tutor was superb and the experience had a positive impact, not only on the candidates but also on our employees who worked alongside them.”

Fore details of employability fund courses visit www.nclanarkshire.ac. uk or call 0300 555 8080.