The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Justice has congratulated six young people who have completed an 18 week work placement programme.
Kenny MacAskill MSP (Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Justice) handed out completion certificates to the Training Opportunities in Lothian (TOiL) graduates at a ceremony held at the City Chambers on Monday (9 December).
He said: “I congratulate all the young people for completing this TOiL programme and TOiL and Port of Leith Housing Association for contributing to their success.
“We have made a commitment that every school leaver under the age of 19 will be offered the opportunity of a place in meaningful learning or training. One way we are meeting this commitment is through the creation of 25,000 Modern Apprenticeships each year along with £25 million Youth Employment Scotland funding to support 10,000 young people into employment.
“As the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, I am particularly aware of the importance of such opportunities in providing positive futures for young people and their communities. I wish these young people well as they take the next step towards their future career.”
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 almost 450 young people aged 16 to 24 into work and training.
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive at PoLHA, said: “We are very grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice for attending our ceremony. Young people are the lifeblood of the economy and it’s imperative there are projects, such as the this, to give them the required skills to get on the career ladder.”
One of those graduating was 18 year old Ben Hughes of Drumbrae. Ben has secured permanent employment as a direct result of the programme with J. Smart’s builders on completion of an 18 week placement with the firm. He said: “I really enjoyed the TOiL programme and the courses were great. I now have a job I love.”
Also graduating on the day were Michael Bryce, Connor Kerr, Mac Cruikshank, Danielle McGill and Lauren Edwards.
John Murray, who manages TOiL, 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 which went to RTL, Award of Recognition for Good practice which went to Lothian Gas and Employer of the Year which went to CCG (Scotland) respectively.
If you are a young jobseeker or employer interested in learning more about the TOiL programme, call 554 0403.
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