Tag: ProjectScotland

Growing up: award for young people’s volunteering project

Investors in Young People award for ProjectScotland

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ProjectScotland, the charity which helps young people to get on in life through volunteering, has been awarded the Investors in Young People accreditation, a new award created by Investors in People Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government. 

The accolade recognises employers for their recruitment and retention of young people in the work place.  With a quarter of ProjectScotland staff (above) under 25 the award further cements ProjectScotland’s ethos and commitment to developing young people.

Congratulating the charity on their award, Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment Annabelle Ewing said: “I would like to congratulate ProjectScotland on achieving the new Investors in Young People accreditation. ProjectScotland recognise the benefits of recruiting and developing young people and that it is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.

“Employers have a crucial role to play in supporting youth employment in Scotland and the new Investors in Young People framework and accolade offers help and recognition which will encourage more employers to do that.”

Paul Reddish, CEO of ProjectScotland, said: “We are very proud of our Investors in Young People award. As a charity we offer 16 – 30 year olds a three month volunteering opportunity, allowing them to learn new skills and gain valuable experience while giving back to society as we believe that young people have the talent to transform their lives and the communities around them. That’s why here at ProjectScotland young people are a big part of our work force and we aim for this to not only continue but grow.

“This award acknowledges that we are investing in young people and it’s great to see the Scottish Government and Investors in People recognising our achievements.”

People management specialists, Investors in People selected a sample of employees from ProjectScotland to discuss various aspects of their role, the organisation and training as well as reviewing how the charity attracts, recruits and retains young people.

Ewan Hunter, Investor in People Specialist said: “ProjectScotland has a great ethos and are very well connected to the whole ‘Young People’ agenda. They have a clear understanding of the importance of employing and developing young people and the enormous benefits to both the employer and the young person.

“I would like to commend them and congratulate them on their award and achievements.  We look forward to working with ProjectScotland as they continue the excellent work they do in this vital part of Scotland’s economy.”

ProjectScotland celebrates ten years of supporting young Scots

5000 young people and 540 charities say: ‘Happy Birthday!’

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ProjectScotland, the charity which helps young people to get on in life through volunteering, has marked its 10th birthday with Annabelle Ewing MSP and revealed the impact of their efforts since forming in 2005.

The charity has announced that since 2005 they have supported over 5000 young people across Scotland who have given more than three million volunteering hours to over 540 charities and not-for-profit organisations.

The charity revealed research that demonstrates the life-long impact of volunteering on its young people. 78% of ProjectScotland volunteers go on to employment, education, or training within 6 months, and 93% of volunteers said the experience had an impact on their long-term career and life choices.

To kick off the celebrations Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment Annabelle Ewing attended Falkland Palace, a National Trust for Scotland property which is one of the ProjectScotland’s biggest partners, to meet past and present volunteers and ProjectScotland’s CEO, Paul Reddish.

The visit marks the start of a year of celebrations for the charity which will reflect on the young people, charities and communities who have been supported through volunteering with ProjectScotland.

ProjectScotland (3)Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, Annabelle Ewing (above)said: “I would like to congratulate ProjectScotland on their achievements over the last ten years.

“ProjectScotland plays a key role helping to improve the prospects and aspirations of young people across Scotland, recognising the importance of developing young people and that it is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”

Paul Reddish, CEO of ProjectScotland, said: “At ProjectScotland we aim to help give young people structure, experience and the confidence to find work that matches their aspirations, talent and skills. The results of the last ten years prove we are making great strides supporting young people into brighter futures and we are extremely proud of our work to date.

“Scotland has led the way in the UK, with a supportive Government that has youth employment right at the forefront of its priorities and policies, but there is still much to be done particularly in tackling underemployment of talented young people in low paid work and supporting those furthest from the job market.  For our tenth birthday we’re taking time to reflect and celebrate and also very much looking to the future and the work that still needs done.”

For further information on ProjectScotland please visit www.projectscotland.co.uk

ProjectScotland announce six new roles in Edinburgh

ProjectScotland: Helping young people in Scotland to get on in life through volunteering

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Young people in Edinburgh looking to develop new skills, take on exciting projects and gain valuable experience this summer should consider ProjectScotland.  The charity, which helps young people get on in life through volunteering, has announced six new and exciting opportunities across the city.

ProjectScotland matches young people with charities working in areas including the arts, sports, youth work and animal care, or to departments within charities such as marketing, human resources, fundraising and journalism.

For budding writers with a keen news sense there is an opportunity for a Journalist and Content Creator to join the team at Relationships Scotland. Or, for those who possess the skill to capture a reader’s attention in 140 characters or less, the disabled access review website and app Euan’s Guide is looking for their next Social Media Guru and Content Whizz!

For those people looking to be out and about this summer, Gorgie City Farm is looking for a Summer Activities Assistant. From taking part in animal work to event planning and tour guiding, the role is perfect for anyone who enjoys working with children and animals.

For a role offering more desk-based experience, Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland is offering multiple opportunities for volunteers to build a variety of skills. Their role of Strategic Group Facilitator will allow a volunteer to gain skills in the provision of key secretariat support whilst the Community Researcher role will give a volunteer key research and organisational skills.

Age Scotland is seeking a Community Contacts Collation Volunteer with great communication skills to help collect information and answer calls on their Silver Line Scotland national helpline. Volunteers will gain valuable organisational skills as well as experience in dealing with members of the public.

Gunduz Ozturk, former ProjectScotland volunteer at Blackwood Foundation, has recently gone on to secure a full time position with Port of Leith Housing Association.  He says his volunteering gave him the edge when it came to securing his job:

“Volunteering is amazing. You get out of it what you put in – I got to learn new skills, got help with training, and realised what sector I wanted to pursue a career in. I really can’t recommend it enough.”

Aileen Kennie, Partnership Manager Team Leader at ProjectScotland, said: “We offer 16-30 year olds a variety of three month quality volunteering opportunities with great organisations across Edinburgh and the whole of Scotland.

“Our partners in Edinburgh, including Lloyds TSB Foundation, Age Scotland and Euan’s Guide, give our volunteers the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community and develop themselves, while organisations benefit from additional talent and energy.”

All ProjectScotland volunteers receive a travel allowance, are offered a mentor, and are invited to a series of job-focussed workshops designed to help them plan for the future.

Young people in Edinburgh can apply online at: www.projectscotland.co.uk