Jobs boost for town centre
Minister hears about new scheme
Take a butcher’s at this – Scottish Government minister Jamie Hepburn dropped in on Henderson of Hamilton.
The award-winning New Cross Shopping Centre business have benefitted from the South Lanarkshire Youth Employment Initiative.
And staff were delighted to talk to the Minister for Employability and Training about how the project can help both young people looking for employment and firms that are in the market for skilled workers.
Last year, the initiative’s Jobspot scheme worked with 1400 youngsters in a bid to get them on the jobs ladder.
Andrew Henderson, the owner of Henderson the Butcher, said: “We have developed a really positive relationship with Jobspot and working to ensure that I could recruit the right young people with the skills I am looking for has been of great benefit.
“The young people who have come to us have got here through their own hard work but have undeniably benefitted from getting the right training and have quickly become real assets to the business.”
After visiting the Hamilton Jobspot office, the Minister popped along to Henderson the Butcher to meet former trainees who are now working with the firm.
Ryan Miller from Glassford is an apprentice butcher while Larkhall’s Aimee Craw is a deli assistant.
Both are pictured above and are among the young people who have found work with help from Jobspot. Henderson have been able to help a total of six young people into jobs after teaming up with Jobspot.
Mr Hepburn said: “It was interesting to hear how the South Lanarkshire Youth Employment Initiative has been working with young people and employers at the local level to really focus in on the training individuals need to help them find work.
“From what I have heard, this project has made a very strong start and I would wish it continued success in the future.”
South Lanarkshire Youth Employment Initiative is funded by South Lanarkshire Council, the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative.
South Lanarkshire Council’s chair of enterprise resources, Councillor Chris Thompson, said: “It is no secret that the public sector is working under tough budget constraints.
“However investment in the future of our young people is vital and the success of the South Lanarkshire Youth Employment Initiative shows that investment pays off.”
Jobspot offices are operating in Hamilton and Lanark. A range of financial incentives, training and recruitment assistance are available from South Lanarkshire Youth Employment Initiative.
If your business could create new jobs with the support of Jobspot contact Sandra Cuthbertson on 01698 454395 or email Sandra. cuthbertson@southlanarkshire. gov.uk.
Pictured are Andrew Henderson, Ryan Miller, Jamie Hepburn, Aimee Craw and Chris Thompson.