Leading Scottish law firm Thorntons welcomed six further trainee solicitors this September. This follows an earlier intake of ten trainees in March of this year and underlines the firm’s commitment to growth.
The new recruits will undertake a two year course across the firm’s network of offices, developing their skills and knowledge across a variety of legal disciplines, as part of their traineeship.
All trainees will adopt a blended work approach, working both from home and in the Thorntons’ offices, ensuring they have direct support from their supervising partner and other colleagues.
The trainees are Walter Buckman from Glasgow, David Durie and Finlay Williamson from Dundee, Antonia Kildare and Hannah Smethurst from Edinburgh, and Martyna Kotlarz from Aberdeen.
Structured around four six-month department rotations, the trainees will gain hands-on experience, complete practical work and have direct client contact from early on. The group will also benefit from Thorntons’ diverse learning and development programmes, mentoring scheme and internal virtual networking opportunities which are all designed to further advance skills and knowledge.
Additionally, all trainees are allocated a specially selected mentor from Thorntons’ team to offer advice and guidance throughout the duration of the training contract.
New trainee David Durie said: “Going to University in Dundee, Thorntons was a huge presence in the legal community. But the firm didn’t just appear to us in billboards, on the television, and on the radio. The people at Thorntons were always willing to give their time to help with events, offer their knowledge and advice, and even act as a sounding board regarding doubts about our futures.
“When I was given the opportunity to join the firm as a trainee and pay forward the help I was given, I knew I had to grab it. I have a lot to learn over the next two years, and there’s a lot of work to be done. But that work is made all the more rewarding by witnessing first-hand that ‘doing what’s right’ isn’t just a slogan, it really is Thorntons’ mission.”
Lesley Larg, Managing Partner at Thorntons, said: “Our trainees play a vital role in the success of the firm, and I’m hugely excited to welcome our new team members.
“As Thorntons continues to grow, and more and more opportunities become available for newly qualified solicitors, this is a particularly exciting time for our trainees to embark on their careers. Each year a significant number of successful trainees stay on to continue their careers with us, and we look forward to working with them to develop their skills and knowledge.”
● Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Merchant City’s Gaming Academy upskills aspiring casino dealers to help kick start their careers
● Four-week programme trains applicants in how to run popular games at the casino as well as safer gambling modules to develop their skills and career opportunities
● The Gaming Academy is part of a wider recruitment charge from Grosvenor Casinos with a range of other job opportunities available for Scottish job seekers
It is aces high for job seekers based in Glasgow and Edinburgh, who have been offered a helping hand to kick start their careers as a casino dealer.
Grosvenor Casino Glasgow in Merchant City is running a four-week gaming academy to help teach local job seekers how to deal some of the most popular casino games with the offer of full-time employment if they qualify.
6 aspiring male and female casino dealers, aged between 18 – 37 years old, are being put through their paces on the Grosvenor Casinos gaming academy which includes training on Blackjack, Poker and Roulette.
From learning casino terminology, the difference between odds and pay-outs, as well as the correct way to spin the roulette ball, the academy will help applicants to learn how best to manage the fast-paced nature of bets placed by guests when they visit the casino.
Those taking part will also be tutored on the times tables up to thirty-five and receive tips and tricks on how to improve their dexterity when it comes to collecting and gathering bets and chips, to ensure they can deliver the best possible service in the quickest way possible.
As part of Grosvenor’s commitment to safer gambling, the academy will also focus on safeguarding guests and educating team members about the importance of ensuring all guests always play responsibly.
Emma Sulton, (37), a mother of one from Livingston, said: “I lost my job in February last year, so I applied for a job as a receptionist at the Grosvenor Casino in Edinburgh.
“That role was filled but the team contacted me and made me aware of the gaming academy and I jumped at the chance, as I love roles that keep my mind engaged and let me interact with the public. It’s been amazing to work with such a range of different people and learn so many news skills that will help me start a brand-new career.
Drew Murray (18) from Uddingston in Glasgow, added: “Before I joined the gaming academy I worked in construction and the course has been a new challenge which I have really enjoyed, especially working out the odds as well as how the games work.
“We’re also paid the over 25 living wage which for me at 18 is brilliant and I am excited to start this new career with Grosvenor Casinos.”
General Manager at Grosvenor Casino Glasgow Merchant City said: “We have a strong track record for providing training opportunities for the local workforce to upskill and join our team. A career as a casino dealer is a highly skilled profession that offers flexible working as well as the chance to travel and work all over the world.
“It’s been a challenging year for everyone in the industry and now our casino is re-opened, we are determined to offer all applicants of the gaming academy the chance to work for Grosvenor Casinos and become part of the team here.”
Alongside the Gaming Academy, Grosvenor Casinos is carrying out a recruitment drive for job seekers across Scotland with a range of roles available to those looking for job opportunities.
All those interested can check their local club’s social media pages for more details and to learn more about Grosvenor Casinos, what it’s like to work for the business and the reasons why a career in the casino industry could be for you visit https://www.rank.com/careers.
Create Community Wealth is looking for two (2) Lead Creative people to join the project!
Create Community Wealth is an exciting long-term collaborative project that aims to develop micro-enterprises across the communities in Wester Hailes and Muirhouse.
Inspired by the grassroots movement of the Granby Four Streets in Liverpool and other Community Wealth Building initiatives around the world, this project aims to tackle social exclusion and improve wellbeing and local economic prospects through creativity.
– Permanent and temporary opportunities available –
– Roles in distribution centres and manufacturing sites nationwide –
Morrisons is looking to recruit 3,000 new colleagues ahead of the festive season in order to meet increased demand at Christmas.
This year’s holiday season is anticipated to be even busier than usual as customers try to make up for last year’s restricted celebrations and hold multiple gatherings with their friends and family.
To help prepare, Morrisons is looking to recruit colleagues for its distribution centres and manufacturing sites across the country. The roles available range from warehouse and production operatives, to pickers and packers as well as other skilled roles such as fork lift truck drivers. Full training will be provided for all positions and so no prior experience is required.
Morrisons has also joined the Kickstart scheme meaning it welcomes applications from 16-24 year olds who are receiving universal credit.
Earlier this year, Morrisons became the first UK supermarket to guarantee pay of at least £10 per hour* and colleagues also benefit from a 10% staff discount as well as flexible hours and shift patterns to suit.
Clare Grainger, Morrisons People Director, said: “Customers have told us that they want to make up for last year’s low-key festive season and so we are working hard to make sure that our shelves are stocked with everything they need to help them celebrate.
“We are looking for 3,000 Christmas helpers to come and join our busy, fast-moving and exciting team on a temporary or permanent basis and help make good things happen this Christmas.”
Anyone wishing to apply should visit www.morrisons.jobs or call 0345 6116111
Edinburgh Northern and Leith MSP Ben Macpherson will be pulling pints behind the bar in Joseph Pearce’s today (Friday 17 September) to show his support for hospitality businesses in the local area and the city more widely.
One of the MSP’s first jobs was as a bartender and he worked in a number different hospitality businesses in the city throughout his twenties. While working in hospitality he has said that he developed practical, organisational and interpersonal skills which have benefitted him throughout the rest of his career, including as an MSP.
Brexit has resulted in major staff shortages within the hospitality industry, which is affecting opening hours and the capacity to serve customers.
Commenting on his support for local hospitality businesses and their recruitment drive, Ben Macpherson MSP said: “I developed many practical, organisational and interpersonal skills while working in hospitality, and I learned a lot about different aspects of society from meeting and listening to colleagues and customers alike. I also made a lot of new friends from all over the world, who I’m still in touch with to this day, and had some great times working with them.
“The sector still has some improvements to make when it comes to its fair work responsibilities – but I have seen significant and meaningful change since I worked behind the bar 10 years ago, and today there are many hospitality businesses offering fair pay, good career paths and fulfilling opportunities.
“The experience of the pandemic has reminded us that local hospitality businesses are a key part of our communities and our economy – they are where we so often come together with loved ones and friends, and provide the setting for so many joyful moments in our lives.
“Cafes, pubs, clubs and restaurants are an important part of our society and I would encourage anyone looking for work to consider what either a temporary job or a career in hospitality can offer as a chance to learn new, transferrable skills.”
Anna Christopherson, Co-Owner of Boda Bars, said: “Working in hospitality gives you people skills, integrity and sales skills that you will need in every job you ever have.
“I wish everyone would work in hospitality at least once in their lives. It is a great job that gives you freedom to work everywhere around the world.”
Amazon creates highly skilled jobs for Scotland across a wide range of professions, from software developers and product managers, to machine learning specialists
Job-seekers encouraged to take advantage of Amazon Career Day, one of the biggest free virtual training and recruiting events in the UK
Amazon, which has a development centre in Edinburgh and currently employs over 2,500 people in Scotland, is hiring for 100 tech and corporate jobs locally.
The majority of roles are for highly skilled jobs across a wide range of professions, from software developers and machine learning specialists, to applied sciences and product managers. Edinburgh was Amazon’s first research and development centre outside of North America and it has a well-earned reputation as a global centre for innovation, software engineering and machine learning.
Graeme Smith, Managing Director, Amazon Development Centre Scotland (ACDS), (above) said: “These highly skilled jobs join our incredibly talented teams in Scotland and provide exciting opportunities for those who want to be at the cutting edge of global technology.
“Our employees benefit hundreds of millions of customers around the world by focusing on personalised shopping recommendations, digital advertising and research and development.”
Amazon has more than 2,500 employees in Scotland – across the Amazon Development Centre in Edinburgh, fulfilment centres in Dunfermline and Gourock, as well as the Prime Now site in Glasgow, Customer Service Centre in Edinburgh and delivery stations in Edinburgh, Dundee, Bathgate, Aberdeen, Baillieston and Motherwell.
Job-seekers who are looking for a new role or to transition to a different career – at Amazon or at another company – are also being encouraged to participate in Amazon Career Day on Thursday 16 September, a free virtual training and recruiting event.
The day will give attendees the opportunity to participate in one of the 3,000 one-to-one career coaching sessions with Amazon recruiters to help participants land their next job and view livestreamed sessions with Amazon employees and industry experts.
People can register at amazoncareerday.com, where Amazon Career Day content will be available to view on demand for one month after the event.
The initiative takes place in the context of new research from Amazon, surveying 1,000 professional (employed and unemployed) adults in the UK in August 2021, highlighting:
· 21% of UK professionals are actively searching for a new job
· A further 38% of UK professionals are interested in finding a new job, but not actively looking
· Among employed adults in the UK, 29% say the COVID-19 pandemic has caused them to reconsider their career paths
· 42% of active UK job-seeking adults are interested in pursuing opportunities in industries they do not currently have experience in
· 78% of professionals in the UK say they want more job training/resources
“We are working hard every day to be the best place for people to have satisfying and fulfilling long-term careers,” said Amazon CEO Andy Jassy.
“Amazon continues to grow quickly and relentlessly invent across many areas, and we’re hoping that Career Day gives job seekers the support they need to learn new skills or reimagine their careers at Amazon or elsewhere.
“Whether you’re looking to start your first job, to gain new skills, or thinking of a completely fresh start in a new field, we have thousands of exciting opportunities available right across the UK,”said John Boumphrey, Amazon UK Country Manager.
“We created Career Day to provide free guidance, coaching and inspiration to anyone who wants to develop their career, whether that’s with Amazon or somewhere else.
“Whether you see your long term future at Amazon or elsewhere, we provide a wide range of training and development opportunities to take your career to the next level.”
Career Day attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Amazon employees including gaming, robotics, AI and sustainability experts, as well as colleagues who have joined Amazon on fully-funded apprenticeships. Each will reveal what they do, what their career path was, and what it’s like working at Amazon.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce will also be hosting a panel about apprenticeships at Amazon and opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to diversify and progress their careers.
Amazon now employs over 55,000 employees across the UK. All Amazon jobs come with competitive pay and benefits, whether they are based in a fulfilment centre or in a corporate office.
For hourly workers, pay starts at a minimum of £10.00 p/h. Amazon employees work in some of the most advanced workplaces of their kind in the world, with a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection and an employee discount, which combined are worth more than £700 annually, as well as a company pension plan.
This year, Amazon has created 10,000 new permanent jobs and 1,000 new fully-funded apprenticeship roles.
For employees who see Amazon as a stepping stone to a future career outside of Amazon, it has also created a pioneering Career Choice programme, through which Amazon pre-pays up to 95% of tuition fees for nationally recognised courses, ranging from accountancy to HGV driving and software development.
Up to £8,000 of tuition fees over four years is available through the programme. Amazon is partnering with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and local businesses on the programme to identify regional skills shortages and focus training on local demand – this will help meet the UK’s future employment needs outside of Amazon.
The Scottish Ambulance Service is boosting its resources in the East of Scotland as part of its Demand and Capacity Programme.
An extra 88 frontline staff – a mixture of paramedics, newly qualified paramedics (NQPs) and technicians – will be located across the East region and are due be in place by April 2022.
Extra ambulances and vehicles will also be introduced over the coming months, including two in Edinburgh.
This is in addition to 139 staff in the West and 69 in the North.
The Demand and Capacity programme, which is supported by a £20m investment from the Scottish Government, aims to better align resources to meet current and projected patient demand.
Kenny Freeburn, East Regional Director, Scottish Ambulance Service said: “This funding is great news for the Service and is allowing us to continue to increase our investment in new frontline staff, new ambulances and new vehicles at pace.
“These new resources will ensure we continue to deliver the very best patient care by boosting capacity and increasing our resilience in communities across Scotland. They’ll also complement our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly over the last 18 months in extremely demanding circumstances.”
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Our ambulance staff have been at the heart of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic and we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their courage, commitment and professionalism.
“These additional resources show that this Government is determined to ensure they have the support needed to meet patient demand as the NHS continues to remobilise.
“Our recent recovery plan targeted over £1 billion of investment over the next five years across the whole health system to increase capacity and ensure the health service is ready for the challenges ahead.”
Almost 300 additional ambulance service staff are being recruited through a £20 million Scottish Government funding injection made over last year and this year as the NHS continues to remobilise.
The latest recruitment tranche unveiled today will see dozens of paramedics, technicians, patient transport staff and advanced professionals taken on in the North and North-east of Scotland.
Additional ambulances and low acuity resources will also be introduced as part of the new resources to help meet current and projected patient needs through the Demand and Capacity programme.
A total of 296 additional ambulance service staff are being recruited as a result of investment over the past two years.
The Scottish Government has allocated £20 million as part of the £1 billion NHS recovery plan published last week. This resource will be directed to those areas of Scotland most under pressure including northern parts of the country.
Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service Pauline Howie said: “This funding is great news for the Service and is allowing us to continue to increase our investment in new frontline staff, new ambulances and new vehicles at pace.
“These new resources will ensure we continue to deliver the very best patient care by boosting capacity and increasing our resilience in communities across Scotland. They’ll also complement our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly over the last 18 months in extremely demanding circumstances.
“The reduction in on-call working will also improve the work/life balance of staff in the north of Scotland, as well as providing increased cover for the respective areas. Additional stations where on-call working will also be eliminated or reduced are currently being identified.”
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Our ambulance staff have been at the heart of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic and we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their courage, commitment and professionalism.
“These additional resources show that this Government is determined to ensure they have the support needed to meet patient demand as the NHS continues to remobilise.
“Our recent recovery plan targeted over £1 billion of investment over the next five years across the whole health system to increase capacity and ensure the health service is ready for the challenges ahead.
“Investment in support for staff and their wellbeing will be an essential and vital component of our recovery and the reduction of on-call working for ambulance staff will help with this.”
New opportunity to fill the ranks of the next generation of highly skilled plumbing and heating technicians
Places on the Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating are filling up fast. Spaces are open to applications from anyone aged 16 and over for the Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating programme, including existing employees and new recruits of plumbing firms.
With demand already outstripping supply it is vital to attract new talent to the sector to avoid long term consequences for the plumbing trade. Even before the global pandemic, the industry was faced with a skills shortage.
This skills deficit has now become more critical and to ensure that the plumbing industry is able to keep up with current demand and meet the government’s net zero ambitions, SNIPEF is urging individuals to consider a career in plumbing, and for plumbing employers to support them by offering apprenticeships.
With training delivered both on-site and in a classroom environment, a plumbing apprenticeship offers individuals the opportunity to earn a wage while gaining the important skills, knowledge, and experience to become a qualified plumber.
The programme is managed by SNIPEF Training Services Ltd (STS), the only industry recognised Management Agent and Training Provider in Scotland.
With 38 years experience in delivering Modern Apprenticeships, STS now work with 18 colleges across Scotland supporting training in four fuel pathways which include ACS Gas, Oil, Low Carbon Technology and Solid Fuel.
In addition to fuel accreditation, participants will achieve an SVQ Level 3 (SCQF 7) Modern Apprenticeship qualification which also includes Water Byelaws and Unvented Hot Water.
Fiona Hodgson, Chief Executive of SNIPEF, said: “Anyone looking for a satisfying career, whether a school-leaver or someone contemplating a career change, should consider the benefits of undertaking a plumbing apprenticeship.
“Starting, then working diligently to complete a plumbing apprenticeship, is an excellent option for anyone who hasn’t yet decided how they want to direct their working lives.
“As an employer, there are many benefits to recruiting an apprentice or offering a Modern Apprenticeship to an existing staff member. Not only will you be developing enthusiastic talent with the exact skills and experience the plumbing and heating industry and your business requires you will also be developing the workforce of the future.”
Dale Thomson, Training Manager of SNIPEF Training Services Ltd, said “It is more important than ever that increasing numbers of people consider a career in the plumbing and heating industry.
“There are skill shortages up and down the country and employers are desperately looking for competent and qualified plumbers to help with the work they have lined up.
“In addition to this, we need to ensure that sufficient numbers of plumbing apprentices are being trained now to secure enough qualified plumbers in the future to work on low carbon technology such as heat pumps to meet the Scottish Government’s ambitious net zero carbon targets.
“If you are an employer looking to recruit an apprentice or if you are interested in a career in plumbing please contact SNIPEF Training Services who will assist you every step of the journey.”
STS has supported thousands of apprentices to complete their training to become qualified plumbers, guiding apprentices and employers from recruitment and selection through to workforce planning, funding and training delivery.
College places are limited and with many plumbing employers already applying to enrol candidates for the 2021 cohort registering interest now is strongly recommended.
Anyone considering a career in plumbing and heating or hiring an apprentice plumber, should contact Gillian Macaulay, Regional Support Officer at:
SP Energy Networks has launched a recruitment drive for 152 green jobs to help support multi-billion pound network investment
Roles in engineering, construction, sustainability, analysis, safety, environmental planning available with the majority, 135, based in Central and Southern Scotland
These green jobs will be at the forefront of the transformation of the electricity network in the region and vital to delivering Net Zero
SP Energy Networks has launched its largest recruitment drive this century with 152 green jobs on offer over the next four months. The news was announced this morning as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited SP Energy Networks’ training centre, Dealain House, to announce the New Green Jobs Workforce Academy.
The 152 green jobs will be at the forefront of work to enhance the electricity network to enable the rapid uptake of renewables and low carbon technologies needed to help Scotland and the wider UK reach its Net Zero target.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:“To help tackle climate change Scotland is already investing in green skills and attracting new green job opportunities. It is great to see ScottishPower creating 135 new green jobs in Scotland and I would encourage other employers to follow their lead.
“The Academy’s career advisors stand ready to support individuals interested in these jobs access the right training to help their career progress.
“Looking ahead to COP26 in Glasgow in November, Scotland can be proud that our climate change ambitions, backed by investment in creating a highly skilled green workforce, will be showcased on an international stage.”
In the year when Glasgow hosts the UN’s climate change summit, COP26, the Glasgow headquartered company is pleased to be able to offer such a diverse range of green opportunities.
Frank Mitchell, CEO of SP Energy Networks, explains more:“With less than 100 days to go to COP26 in Glasgow, we’re bringing truly green jobs to Scotland to support the country with its ambitions to be Net Zero by 2045.
“These roles offer a variety of career opportunities in a company that is committed to Net Zero and is investing millions of pounds every single day to help bring about a cleaner, greener future.”
The majority of roles will be based in Central and Southern Scotland where SP Energy Networks is responsible for the operation and maintenance of over 4,000km of cables and lines that make up the transmission network. This network connects generation infrastructure like windfarms into the electricity system and transports that electricity onto towns and cities.
Over the next five years, SP Energy Networks is investing £2 billion in its transmission network to support the increase in renewable energy needed to meet Scotland’s climate change targets and to ensure a resilient and reliant network fit for the future as electricity demand grows.
To help deliver this investment, SP Energy Networks is recruiting 126 candidates who will work across a number of major projects to build a transmission network fit for Net Zero.
This increases the staff employed in SP Energy Networks Transmission business by over 25% and is on top of the 135 apprentices and graduates across SP Energy Networks who started this year.
An additional 26 positions will be recruited into SP Energy Networks Distribution business to accelerate projects that support Net Zero ambitions.
These posts offer long-term, skilled roles across varying disciplines including engineering, project management, construction, environmental planning and sustainability.
Frank adds: “We currently directly employ around 2,700 staff and over the next 12 months we are embarking on our largest recruitment drive in over 20 years. This demonstrates the scale of work we’re about to begin, investing billions in our network to help the UK reach its climate change targets.
“In our transmission business alone, we’re investing £2bn out to 2026 and we’re only just beginning. We also have very ambitious plans for our distribution businesses, and if our plans are agreed with Ofgem, we will be expanding these new 152 roles considerably.
“The opportunities we have range from Planning Engineers to Programme Analysts to Project Managers and offer long-term, green jobs that will be right at the heart of the transition to Net Zero through a green economic recovery.
“We’re about to start work on a number of major projects critical to helping Scotland achieve its climate ambitions and you could be part of it. I would encourage anyone with an interest to come forward and see if a career with SP Energy Networks is for you.”
Further information on the roles available can be found here:
