Employability Fund Programme - Work Placement Scheme

10th August 2015

Pulteneytown People's Project is contracted to deliver The Employability Fund Programme for Skills Development Scotland (SDS). 

The purpose of the programme is to prepare people for employment or further training opportunities in their chosen work interest area, by supporting them to improve their knowledge and basic skills required for their chosen sector.
The programme focuses on work-based knowledge, skills and experience to be gained both within our training centre and on work placements, with any relevant training needs being addressed as per each participant’s individual training plan.
We aim to find the best match for participants and employers to try to ensure a successful outcome for both participant and employer.

Pulteneytown People’s Project offers two stages of the Programme, depending on experience and ability. During the first two weeks participants spend four days each week in the training centre and work with PPP’s Placement Liaison Officer, who works to match individuals with a work placement suited to their abilities and areas of interest. Participants are then invited to attend an interview with the employer to ensure that both participant and employer are happy to proceed with the work placement.

STAGE 2 runs for 12 weeks. Participants spend two days per week in the training centre taking part in activities focusing on team work, personal organisational skills and confidence building. They have access to short introductory courses such as emergency first aid at work, food hygiene, health and safety in the work place and manual handling and they will also work towards their SCQF Level 3 Award in Employability and Personal Development.

Participants will also spend 2 days per week in a fully-supported work placement within Pulteney Centre. Placement opportunities include crèche, Telfords Coffee Shop, maintenance team, cinema and reception.
On successful completion of the Stage 2 programme there are opportunities for progression to Stage 3 of the Employability Programme or further education or a Modern Apprenticeship in certain skills areas.

STAGE 3 runs for 16 weeks.
During the first 2 weeks participants have access to short introductory courses such as emergency first aid at work, food hygiene, health and safety in the work place and manual handling. They will also have the opportunity to complete job specific courses such as infection control, PVG and SSSC registration for the care sector, and CSCS card for construction industry.

Throughout the programme participants will work towards achieving their SCQF Level 4 Award and also the Certificate of Work Readiness, which requires them to complete a minimum of 20 hours per week in a work placement.

Participants will have one training day each week to work towards their SCQF award, and three to four days per week in their work placement. Placement opportunities include construction, care sector, hospitality and customer service. Participants are supported by our Placement Liaison Officer for the duration of their work placements, with regular visits and monitoring to ensure they are supported and achieving work goals.

On successful completion of the Stage 3 programme there are opportunities for progression to employment, further education or a Modern Apprenticeship in certain skills areas. For those moving into employment our benefits advisor can assist with better off calculations, claiming child tax credit, and budgeting.

Stacy Bremner, who recently completed the Employability Programme said, ‘I really enjoyed my time on the Employability programme and I’m grateful for the support I received. I enjoy my job and I’m very happy that I was kept on after my work placement finished’. Her employer Wendy McGowan of Seaview House Care Home said, ‘We were very lucky to have Stacy as our participant as she came to Seaview with enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard. As the placement progressed I saw that she would be an asset to our team and offered Stacy permanent employment at Seaview. I would be delighted to work with the employability programme in future.’


PULTENEYTOWN PEOPLE’S PROJECT’S NEXT STAGE 2 & 3 EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMMES START ON 31st AUGUST 2015

Pulteneytown People’s Project’s Employability Programme is open to anyone aged 16 or over who is unemployed.
The programme is not available to anyone already taking part in a government funded work scheme.

Participants may be entitled to a weekly training allowance during their placement.
Subsidised childcare costs available.

For more information drop in to our job club between 9am and 4pm every Friday or contact Pulteney Centre on 01955 608530 and ask for a member of the employability team.