SCVO media release
14 September 2015
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations has received funding of £1.3m from the Scottish Government to create more jobs for young unemployed people in charities and third sector organisations through Community Jobs Scotland.
The funding will be used to launch a pilot scheme in partnership with Poppy Scotland to create 100 jobs for young unemployed service leavers and young people with convictions aged 25-29, and to extend eligibility for Community Jobs Scotland to people with disabilities, care leavers and carers aged 25-29.
Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Fair Work, Skills and Training, make the announcement today (14 September) at Glenboig Neighbourhood House, near Coatbridge, which employs Cameron Hill, 19, from Coatbridge, as a Community Gardner through Community Jobs Scotland.
Martin Sime, Chief Executive, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, said:
“This will give young unemployed people, who are furthest away from the labour market, the opportunity to experience paid work and make a real difference to other people’s lives. We’re excited about working with Poppy Scotland to help early service leavers find work and about young people aged 25-29 with convictions or disabilities, care leavers and carers, being eligible to apply for Community Jobs Scotland for the first time.
“Many of these people have already been failed by the Work Programme, so it’s fantastic news that they will get the chance to do their bit in their community, earn a wage and develop new skills.”
Gary Gray, Head of Welfare Services, Poppy Scotland said:
“Poppyscotland is delighted to be working in partnership with Community Jobs Scotland. Armed Forces veterans offer employers a unique and extremely valuable skill set, but the transition from the military to civilian workplace can be very challenging. Connecting those who are out of work with opportunities within the voluntary sector is a win-win. This Government funding will broaden the employment horizons for many veterans, offering them a much brighter future, and will also provide great value to organisations who play such a crucial role in supporting the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society.”
Roseanna Cunningham, Minister for Fair Work, Skills and Training, said:
“Community Jobs Scotland has played a significant role in helping thousands of people with barriers to enhance their skills and to progress to education, training or work.
“I am very pleased that this additional funding will allow us to support even more young people develop the skills that they need. With youth unemployment levels at the lowest level since 2008 we are already delivering positive results for young people.
“We want to build on that and to continue to focus on those young people who need extra support in finding a job. Likewise, extending the age range for vulnerable groups will ensure that more people are able to benefit from opportunities in the third sector.”
Cameron Hill, Glenboig Neighbourhood House Community Gardener, said:
“It has been great working for Glenboig Neighbourhood House. I’ve had lots of opportunities to speak to people in the community who I’d never have met otherwise and I have really enjoyed gardening.
“I’ve previously had 8 months training as a mechanic so I’d like to either follow that up or keep up gardening. I’m keeping my options open.”
ENDS
Last modified on 23 January 2020
