Employability programmes open to support young people starting work
As we come to the end of the school year, many young people may find themselves struggling with their next steps. If you are or know a young person who is looking to move into work but needs a bit of support getting started, check out this list of upcoming employability and apprenticeship programmes:
Hatch
Who can apply: Young people who are 16 –25 years old who are not in education, employment or training or are at risk of being so (this includes young people in low-hours college courses and those who are on zero-hours contracts)
What it is: This free employment skills development programme is delivered in partnership by Youth Scotland, UK Youth and KFC. It begins with a two-day training residential at Stirling University, followed by a four-week paid work placement with KFC and a guaranteed job interview.
Next steps: Registration is open now through Eventbrite for the first Hatch session on 19 –20 June. To learn more about the programme or to follow up about future sessions, email Eloise Acland: eloise.acland@youthscotland.org.uk.
The JOBS Project
Who can apply: Young people who are 18 –29 years old who are not in education or employment
What it is: Delivered in partnership by Amazon and Barnardo’s, The Journey of Becoming Successful (JOBS) Project is a 10-week course that supports young people to build confidence and skills in CV writing and interviewing. It offers direct employment opportunities at Amazon fulfilment centres or can support young people to explore opportunities and apprenticeships in other fields.
Next steps: Complete the Enquiry Form on The JOBS Project page of Barnardo’s website
LTSB Data & Technology Programme
Who can apply: Young people who are 16 –24 years old, were educated at a state school and are from a socially disadvantaged background (defined by the programme as ‘eligibility for Free School Meals, EMA or being in the bottom 40% on the SIMD’ but they will also take individual circumstances such as care experience, disability or status as a young carer into account)
What it is: In partnership with NatWest, social-mobility charity LTSB is offering a three-week training bootcamp to build key employability skills like interviewing. The programme starts 3 July in Edinburgh and finishes with a guaranteed interview for a fully supported apprenticeship with NatWest in data analysis, software development, information security or IT and telecommunications.
Next steps: Apply directly through the LTSB website
LTSB Contact Centre Programme
Who can apply: Young people who are 16 –24 years old, were educated at a state school and are from a socially disadvantaged background (defined by the programme as ‘eligibility for Free School Meals, EMA or being in the bottom 40% on the SIMD’ but they will also take individual circumstances such as care experience, disability or status as a young carer into account)
What it is: In partnership with NatWest, social-mobility charity LTSB is also offering this two-week professional development programme in financial customer service. The next session starts 24 July in Edinburgh and finishes with a guaranteed interview for a NatWest Customer Service Apprenticeship.
Next steps: Apply directly through the LTSB website
If none of these programmes feel like quite the right fit, you can also check out the following for additional resources and support:
Young Scot’s apprenticeship page
Young Person’s Guarantee website
Venture Trust’s Inspiring Young Futures page