The Next Step programme has announced a great start in realising its goal of fairer work for residents of Edinburgh. Since its launch in April 2019, over 500 people have been offered free advice, training and connections toward more secure and fair employment.
Next Step is a free service delivered by anti-poverty charity Community Renewal Trust, with support from Citizens Advice Edinburgh, One Parent Families Scotland and Bruce Robertson Training. It is funded by City of Edinburgh Council and the European Social Fund through Capital City Partnership.
Since April, it has helped clients with a wide range of employment related requirements including insufficient income, unemployment, training needs, career stagnation and work and personal issues. Community Renewal hosted a special event today to celebrate passing a key landmark.
Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills Jamie Hepburn MSP, attended the event at Out of The Blue Drill Hall and congratulated the project on its success: “It is fantastic to see how well Next Step has taken off since its launch in April – it is now celebrating over 500 participants joining the programme.
“The providers also tackle a range of employability matters including in-work poverty. I welcome this because it helps create fairer work, and also helps people with other employment-related issues.”
CEO – Paul McColgan – described what makes the project stand out: “The project isn’t just about getting people into work or into better work – it is about transforming an individual’s life.
“Our highly experienced Employment Advisers collaborate with each individual and together they identify their needs. We stick with the client offering bespoke advice, one to one support and links with employers until they have achieved the outcome they want.”
One client, Kevin Gibbons, shared his experience of Next Step: “I approached Next Step because I was looking for work. Thanks to their advisers, I have attended digital training and received funding for a book-keeping course.
“Once I got to the stage of applying for work, I also received help with writing my CV and interview coaching. They also helped with personal development such as improving my confidence. In fact I joked with the Minister at today’s event that if the First Minister is looking for a new addition to the team, I would happily interview! ”
Kate Kelman, Deputy Chief Executive at Capital City Partnership, explained why the project was funded: “This service is potentially innovative, providing holistic support, tailored to the individual and ultimately empowering people.
“We have high hopes that the approach adopted by the Next Step project will result in genuine long–term and sustainable improvements to people’s lives.”
Despite currently working with over 500 people, The Next Step team invite even more people to contact Next Step; whatever their requirements.
“We are working with Edinburgh Fuse and a great many other employers and as a result we have helped a variety of people into fair work. Whatever challenges and barriers they have experienced, we have been able to work with them to find a solution.
“We urge anyone who is looking for work or in-work but needing advice or support, to get in touch. Our service is free, and we have offices based all over Edinburgh.”
Anyone interested in Next Step can find out more at the website www.nextstepedinburgh.org or call 0300 365 0025.