Tag Archives: east lothian works

Young Person’s Guarantee Case Study: Medusa

Medusa have accessed YPG funding to support to the creation of 2 new positions within the team. They have been able to create these opportunities for Cerys and Sadie.

“We have found the YPG paid placement scheme to be really beneficial to our organisation,

It has allowed us to invest in training numerous young people, and with out the support of the programme it would have had an adverse impact on the company’s ability to operate normally.

We are extremely appreciative of the support and the opportunities the scheme has allowed us.”

“Being able to get a funded position in Medusa has given me the best possible start in my career. I have gained so many new skills not only in actually doing hair training but also as a person I am much more confident in communicating and working with others.” – Sadie.

Young Person’s Guarantee Case Study: Forth Blinds

Forth Blinds has been trading since 2015 and now employs 8 people. Like most small businesses, recruitment for additional team members begins when there is an immediate need for the role to be filled. This often meant a hastily arranged interview and selection process. Furthermore, because the person was needed straight away he/she had to have a good knowledge of fitting blinds in order to be able to hit the ground running.  Finding someone with these skills was extremely difficult.

In order to be proactive and ahead of the game, Forth Blinds made a conscious decision to ‘recruit before needed’. The cost implications here are significant so it was a case of how best to afford this. Scottish Government initiatives to create jobs for young people seemed the way forward.

East Lothian Works were contacted, and several options were available to the company. The Young Persons Guarantee (YPG) scheme was the most appropriate and Forth Blinds applied for and were granted funding for an Assistant Blind Installer. The whole process was simple and uncomplicated.

Six weeks later Andrew, 17 years old, joined the business. A simple training plan was drawn up and he spent the first week having instructional and theoretical training in the office. This had never been done previously so Andrew was well prepared for when he went out with the experienced installers. Good quality fitting tools were bought with the funding given. Seven months into the programme Andrew’s customer service skills are superb and his confidence and maturity have risen beyond recognition.

“I am enjoying my time at Forth Blinds and feel I am gaining great experience and knowledge.  I like that every day is different, and I look forward to learning more.” – Andrew.

I encourage any business owner wanting to grow and develop their organization to contact East Lothian Works. Not only do Forth Blinds have a superbly trained installer on board but this has now freed up one of the other experienced installers to be trained in measuring and surveying – another major step forward for the company. The YPG scheme will be instrumental in Forth Blinds meeting its long-term goals and objectives.
Phil O’Brien, Director, Forth Blinds Ltd

Kickstart Case Study: East Lothian Council Protective Services

When we were recruiting staff for our new Testing Centre in Stoneyhill, we decided that we would like to give someone who was currently out of work the opportunity to come and work for us.   We thought that the Kickstart Initiative was great, as it offered a young person the chance to join our Team, for 6 months when we could offer work in a supportive team environment where they could learn new skills, build their confidence and gain some experience working as a member of a team.

Connor came into the Team not knowing anyone or anything about the job, he has taken this opportunity and has become a very important member of our Testing Team.  Connor is valued by everyone in the Team, he can carry out every aspect of the job with confidence and ease.   We hope that this opportunity will help Connor to take the skills and experience he has gained to help him now to move into a permanent job.

Connor says that “this experience has improved my confidence and I have enjoyed every minute of it”

Connor’s position has also been extended with the support of funding through Young Person’s Guarantee. This has allowed him to continue working with the team and continue supporting the local community through the Testing programme.

East Lothian Council’s Foundation Apprenticeships 2022-2024

Foundation Apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for S4 and S5 students in East Lothian. They provide pupils with valuable work experience while gaining a qualification at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to a Higher). They help build skills and knowledge to assist them in entering into:

  • The job market
  • A Modern Apprenticeship
  • A Graduate Apprenticeship
  • College or University

Foundation Apprenticeships take two years to complete. Students typically spend the first year of the programme working in a classroom-based setting to complete the National Progression Award (NPA), and spend the second year undertaking work experience with local employers in their industry of choice.

The course takes place on a Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and does not interfere with any other subjects students may wish to choose as part of their subject choicing.

The course has been designed to address areas where there is a demand for skilled workers. Therefore this ensures that the students have the knowledge and expertise to succeed in future job opportunities. East Lothian Works currently offers four frameworks.

Accountancy

Students will learn about recording financial accounting information and bookkeeping, management accounting, and preparing financial information, amongst other subject areas.

Current employers we work with include:

  • East Lothian Council Accountancy department
  • Trainline
  • Enjoy Leisure

Business Skills

Students will learn about management and business priorities across the industry, such as: working with IT software, managing people and finance, and contemporary business issues. They will learn how to plan, manage, and improve their own performance within the business and administration sector.

Current employers we work with include:

  • FES Group
  • Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
  • Scottish Seabird Centre

Scientific Technologies

Students will learn about the development of new medicines, bioinformatics, medical technologies, as well as how the industry can contribute to society through improving people’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

Current employers we work with include:

  • Charles River Laboratories
  • Scotland’s Rural College
  • University of Edinburgh

Social Services Children and Young People

Students will learn about the safeguarding of children, as well as how to develop, interact, and play with young people.

Current employers we work with include:

  • Almond Park Nursery
  • Aberlady Nursery
  • Dunbar Nursery

If you are interested in undertaking a Foundation Apprenticeship, please speak to your Guidance Teacher and choose it as one of your subject choices. If you would like more information, please email elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk and we would be happy to help. You can also find us on social media:

Twitter – @el_works

Facebook – facebook.com/eastlothianworks

Hibs Coaching Success For East Lothian Student

Congratulations to Blake, an East Lothian student who has made full use of the School College Partnership programme and has landed himself a coaching place with Hibernian FC Youth Academy!

Hibs have recognised Blake’s passion for the sport and his determination to start a career in football and have offered him the brilliant opportunity of coaching twice a week. This opportunity arose when Blake joined the Hibs course as part of the School College Partnership programme. The course covers employability opportunities within sport outside of being a football player. With around 50 different job titles within the club there are many paths one can take to find a career they enjoy, have interest in and feel passionately about.

“Working with the group to develop coaching plans has been great. I have also really enjoyed coaching with Hibs over the last few weeks and would love to keep doing it” –Blake

The team working with Blake have found him to be great member of the group, helpful, engaging and deserving of this opportunity.

“Blake has been an excellent part of the group, always willing to contribute. It is clear to see that football is his passion and he is taking practical steps to fulfil his potential. It’s been refreshing to see him show the initiative to give up his evenings to coach the younger generation and make strides towards his own goals. He is clearly focussed on this career path and if maintains this momentum, I am sure he will succeed.” –Ross Young, Employability Intervention Officer

If you would like to find out more about the School College Partnership programme, please visit https://www.edubuzz.org/eastlothianworks/wp-content/blogs.dir/2289/files/2021/04/2021-SCP-Course-Prospectus.pdf

2020 Scottish Apprenticeship Awards

CONGRATULATIONS to former Dunbar Grammar student Annabel Stewart for making it as a finalist in this year’s Scottish Apprenticeship Awards!

Annabel completed her Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies with East Lothian Works in partnership with Dunbar Grammar School and Charles River Laboratories.

Hear what Annabel has to say about her experience on the Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies

We welcome everyone to come along and support Annabel at the final Scottish Apprenticeship Awards event alongside other inspirational young people across Scotland. To register for a FREE place at the online event on Thursday 4th March 2021 please visit: http://apprenticeships.scot/events/awards/

For further information on what Foundation Apprenticeships are available to you within your local area please visit www.apprenticeship.scot and register your interest today!

 

Scottish Apprenticeship Week: An Interview with a Modern Apprentice

As you may have seen, this week is Scottish Apprenticeship Week #ScotAppWeek20, led by Skills Development Scotland. This campaign aims to highlight the fact that there’s no limit to where an apprenticeship can take you; it creates talent without limits!

Today I sat down with Annabel, a Modern Apprentice in Business and Admin in the East Lothian Council Human Resources department, to as her a couple of questions.

What did you do before your Modern Apprenticeship?
When I left school I knew that I really wanted to go to Australia for a while because I have family that stay over there, so I worked part-time after school in a café to save up as much as I could. Once I was in Australia I wasn’t really sure what I was going to be doing when I came home, so I had a look online and I saw that there was a Modern Apprenticeship with the Council, and it seemed like a really good opportunity. Even if there is no job at the end, it can really help set you up for a job later on.

Why did you decide to do a Modern Apprenticeship?
In school I studied Admin and Business at Higher, which I enjoyed, and since it had been such a long time since I had been in school, I thought this apprenticeship might help jog my memory a bit! It’s also a really good qualification to have along with Higher Business and Higher Admin.

Why did you choose Business and Admin specifically?
Business at school really appealed to me because that’s where my head is at. Some people have a brain that all about maths, mine is all about business!

How did you find the apprenticeship at the beginning?
I thought it was going to be really stressful trying to balance learning and the job. When I first started the previous Modern Apprentice was just about to leave, so I had a crash course! It was overwhelming at first, but everyone is so helpful. I thought it was going to be stressful but it’s actually not and I really enjoy working here.

Is it hard to juggle the work and the learning together?
Sometimes yes, because when it gets to stressful points in the year when there are lots of deadlines it can be difficult to set time aside. But everyone I work with is so helpful and if I have work that needs done they’ll make sure I have time to do it.

Was HR something you were interested in going into?
I was actually just assigned the Human Resources department but actually I’m really glad I was!

Do you know what you want to do when you’ve finished your Modern Apprenticeship?
I’ve only got two modules left to go so I’ll be done around April-time. I had a meeting with my Manager the other day and we’re both really keen for me to get a job in the Council, or in HR more so, because I really enjoy the job I do.

What are the positives of doing a Modern Apprenticeship?
The qualification. And the support they give you. My boss has already told me that she’ll help me do mock interviews and help me apply for jobs, which will help me a lot.

What are the hard parts about doing a Modern Apprenticeship in Business and Admin?
It’s a lot of work. I would say that you have to be that way inclined. It’s a lot of written work and it’s very evidence-based, so you have to be motivated for a lot of written work.

Would you recommend a Modern Apprenticeship to other people?
Yes I would. It’s a really good starting point, so if you’re unsure about going to university and you aren’t sure what else you want to do, then a Modern Apprenticeship is a good choice, as it’s not as much pressure.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to Annabel for taking the time out of her busy schedule to talk to me and discuss the Modern Apprenticeship programme. I wish her all the best in her future endeavours after April!

If you’d like to find out more about Scottish Apprenticeship Week, please take a look at the #ScotAppWeek20 hash tag on Twitter. If you’d like to find out more about Modern Apprenticeships, check out the link below:

https://www.apprenticeships.scot/become-an-apprentice/modern-apprenticeships/

Keep up to date with East Lothian Works:
Twitter – twitter.com/EL_Works
Facebook – facebook.com/EastLothianWorks

 

Ceilidh dancing for esol students

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On Monday night a group of our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners, along with their tutors, took to the dance floor for a truly Scottish night. Attendees were accompanied by an accordionist, and learnt a selection of traditional Scottish ceilidh dances in order to celebrate St. Andrew’s Day (30th of November).

Three ESOL classes joined in the merriment, with a mixture of dancing, clapping, and spectating taking place. It was a fantastic night, with fun had by all!

If you’re interested in our ESOL programme, please contact East Lothian Works on:

Email: elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk
Tel: 01620 827 262

Keep up to date with East Lothian Works:
Twitter – twitter.com/EL_Works
Facebook – facebook.com/EastLothianWorks

Foundation Apprenticeship Interview with a Scientific Technologies Student

Today we are speaking to Emma, a Scientific Technologies Foundation Apprenticeship student, in order to learn about her experiences on the programme. This is part of a series on this blog in which we meet with Foundation Apprenticeship students on all five of the frameworks on offer in East Lothian to find out more about this opportunity.

Continue reading Foundation Apprenticeship Interview with a Scientific Technologies Student →