Scotland’s Minister for Youth Employment has congratulated nine young people who have completed a six-month work placement programme. Angela Constance MSP handed out completion certificates to the Training Opportunities in Lothian (TOiL) graduates at a ceremony held at Edinburgh City Council Chambers yesterday.
Ms Constance said: “Congratulations to the young people graduating today, the latest in a line of young people in the Lothians who have benefitted from the support of the TOiL project in getting started in their careers. I believe that our young people are the best and seeing success like this today is why we are providing funding for projects like TOiL through our Get Ready for Work programme, right across Scotland.”
TOiL offers paid six-month work training and placements. Operated by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA), the programme was established in 2004 and since then has helped over 400 young people aged 16 to 24 into work and training.
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive at PoLHA, said: “We are very grateful to the Minister for attending our ceremony. Youth unemployment is a major issue and it is imperative that projects such as this continue to deliver real results in helping young people develop their skills to get on that first step of the career ladder.”
One of those graduating was 21-year-old Charlotte Cameron, who has secured permanent employment as a direct result of the programme with the City of Edinburgh Council in its Criminal Justice Department. Charlotte said: “The TOiL programme was really good and the courses were great. I now have a job I love.”
Also graduating on the day were Sean Fernie, 16, who was a heating engineer with TB McKay; Patrick McDermott, 17, who was a painter and joiner with Seddon’s; Lauren Campbell, 18, who was a Finance Assistant with PoLHA; Darren Holland, 18, who was a cleaning assistant with ISS; Ryan Walker, 17, who was an electrician and joiner with Castlerock; Jamie Tubby, 16, was a painter and decorator with Mitie; Aaron Blues, 18, was a lift engineer with Clyde Valley Lifts; and Ryan Sutherland, 16, was a painter with Seddon’s.
John Murray, who manages the TOiL programme, said: “Congratulations to all the young people who have graduated and we look forward to continuing to support them as they progress in their early careers.”
As well as the young people graduating, the ceremony also honoured those involved in TOiL and there were awards for Partner Organisation of the Year, Employer of the Year and Best New Employer of the Year. Lorraine Borwick, of Community Learning and Development – named Partner Organisation of the Year -, said: “TOiL ensures that young people’s employability goals are central to the planning process and that sessions are engaging and relevant. The partnership works really well as we work closely to plan and develop literacy and numeracy sessions for young people.”
Angela Constance MSP added: “We are committed to improving the employability of all Scotland’s young people and have guaranteed every 16-19-year-old a place in education or training through Opportunities for All. I will continue to work with employers, local authorities and third sector partners to secure the best opportunities for all our young people.”
If you are a young jobseeker or employer interested in learning more about the TOiL programme, contact 0131 554 0403.
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