Employers gather for Developing the Young Workforce talks

Some of Kintyre’s most prominent employers have learned about how they can best help young job-hunters find work.

Business owners were informed about apprenticeship pathways as well as funding and support opportunities at two events organised by Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), one in Tarbert and one in Campbeltown.

The Tarbert event, held at The Gather on Friday March 18, was attended by employers including: Hendrix Genetics, Balfour Beatty, Renewable Parts, Tarbert Harbour Authority, Midton Acrylics and Dochas Fund.

The Campbeltown event, in The Chambers Room at Campbeltown Town Hall last Thursday, was attended by: Springbank Distillery, McFadyens Contractors, Stewart, Balfour and Sutherland, Hamilton Bros, DM Fabrication, Explore Kintyre and Gigha and Glenbarr Stores and more.

At each event there were five short presentations delivered by Neil McKnight, head teacher of Tarbert Academy, and Ron Wilson for Campbeltown Grammar School, as well as Suzi Thomson from DYW, Caroline McWhirter and Steven Shields from SDS, Tim Lawrence from The Young Person’s Guarantee and Elizabeth MacBrayne from Jobcentre Plus.

These provided employers with information about the new school grading system, support available from DYW, apprenticeship pathways, support and funding available from SDS, The Employer Recruitment Incentive provided by the Young Person’s Guarantee and Way to Work, a new scheme from Jobcentre Plus for long-term unemployed. Both sessions were followed by lunch and an opportunity to chat.

Ms Thomson from DYW told the Courier afterwards: ‘Feedback was really positive and everyone said they found the information interesting and very comprehensive, and all of them said they would attend to future events.’