The Herald

Connect to a whole new world of work...

Employees in STEM sectors and beyond who find themselves out of work can find new opportunit­ies thanks to a new online job hub

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PEOPLE seeking work can find out about jobs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic using a new online service. The service has been developed by Skills Developmen­t Scotland (SDS) in partnershi­p with a range of industry bodies, and includes informatio­n on immediatel­y available vacancies.

The My World of Work Job Hub connects employers directly involved in the emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic with individual­s actively seeking work at this challengin­g time.

Employers can promote their vacancies free of charge to tens of thousands of people visiting My World of Work, the national online careers resource.

Immediate job opportunit­ies are available in healthcare, food and grocery retail, social care, childcare, delivery and distributi­on, food manufactur­ing and production.

Website users can also access additional support including CV tools, skills builders and other career informatio­n and advice.

SDS’S Director of Industry and Enterprise Networks Gordon Mcguinness said: “SDS has worked rapidly to develop the My World of Work Job Hub in response to requests from a range of industry partners who are highlighti­ng skills gaps in their businesses at this critical time.

“It gives people immediate access to job vacancies that employers need filled right now.”

Minister for Business Jamie Hepburn said: “This will be a vital service for those who have lost their jobs as a result of the current crisis, and also to help those employers that are facing high and immediate recruitmen­t surges. It includes areas of critical importance to the economy, including health boards, food and drink production, retail and other sectors.

“To have a site which brings employer vacancies together with a broad audience through Scotland’s dedicated careers resource is a very welcome step.”

Lucy Husband, UK Market Developmen­t Director for Scotland Food & Drink said: “From farm to sea, shelf to plate, the Scottish food and drink sector is being hit hard as the effects of Coronaviru­s unfold.

“It’s a critical time particular­ly for farmers who are facing a huge shortage of vital seasonal workers. At the same time foodservic­e and catering businesses are having to let people go as their normal routes to market shut.

“Having a resource like Job Hub means we can help match those who find themselves suddenly and unexpected­ly out of work with those crying out for immediate, temporary people. Ultimately it will help keep our industry providing the food and drink consumers’ need.”

The Job Hub complement­s the existing career informatio­n, advice and guidance service delivered by SDS. Like many other organisati­ons, the national skills agency has changed how it’s delivering services in response to public health advice. However SDS advisers are still on hand to support customers at this critical time.

One-to-one contact with careers advisers is available online and over the phone, including live chat via Scotland’s online service My World of Work. Informatio­n, advice and guidance covers a broad range of support including redundancy, leaving school, and getting into work. Advisers will work with you to personalis­e the support based on your needs helping you make informed decisions about now and for the future.

James Russell, SDS Director of Career Informatio­n, Advice and Guidance Operations, said: “The relationsh­ips we have with our customers are unique, and our absolute priority is to maintain those relationsh­ips and continue to provide the world-class career service they and our partners have come to expect.

“We work with customers to develop their career management skills, skills that are valuable in managing uncertaint­y and improving your wellbeing, as well as preparing to make complex decisions and face challenges throughout your career. There is no doubt that those skills will become increasing­ly important as we move through the coming days and weeks.

“I would urge anyone who needs support to please get in touch with our dedicated team and to use My World of Work’s tools, informatio­n and advice.”

Support for school pupils also continues, with careers advisers maintainin­g regular contact, especially with those most in need of support in the senior phase. They can also be contacted directly by pupils and their parents and carers via their local centre.

James added: “Our advisers are keeping in close contact with pupils to maintain our relationsh­ips and provide ongoing support. They will be available to talk over options and work through new informatio­n and updates with pupils as and when it’s available.”

 Search for vacancies at myworldofw­ork. co.uk/jobhub or upload your own vacancies at ourskillsf­orce.co.uk/jobhub. To speak to an adviser, find details of your local SDS team at myworldofw­ork.co.uk/centres

“THIS WILL BE A VITAL SERVICE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST JOBS IN THE CURRENT CRISIS

 ??  ?? MAKE THE CALL: Skills Developmen­t Scotland careers advisor Kathryn Aviss is on hand to give advice on job vacancies.
MAKE THE CALL: Skills Developmen­t Scotland careers advisor Kathryn Aviss is on hand to give advice on job vacancies.
 ??  ?? ACCESS ALL
AREAS: SDS’S Director of Industry and Enterprise Networks Gordon Mcguinness.
ACCESS ALL AREAS: SDS’S Director of Industry and Enterprise Networks Gordon Mcguinness.

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