Highland Partnership Aims To Make Learning More Personal For Young Adults

The Highland Council and the Shirlie Project have started a pilot in partnership with local schools and employers to boost the career prospects for young adults with additional support needs.

This 6-week programme is for people aged 15 or over who are looking for assistance in moving from school into employment or further education.  It involves preparation workshops, visits to local employers and five days work experience with a local employer.

Kathryn Logan, Chair of the Shirlie Project, believes the pilot is a very positive step forward.  She said: “The Shirlie Project has 15 years of experience in assisting people with support needs into employment and we know that young people, regardless of their support needs, can be excellent employees.  Investors in Young People will help people believe in themselves at an early age, and give them more choices and more chances.”

Charlotte Barton, co-ordinator at the Shirlie Project said: “The programme aims to link with the young person’s interests and to equip them for life after school.”

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: “It is particularly important at this time of economic downturn, when young people are finding it difficult to get jobs, that we help them to plan for employment while they are still at school.”

Participating employers will be awarded the title of “Investor in Young People”.

Sarah Tait, at Ramada Jarvis Human Resources said: “We have been looking at ways of supporting young people in our area.  When we were contacted by the Shirlie Project we thought this was too good an opportunity to miss.”

Gavin Matheson, training manager at Cap Gemini said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this initiative.  It gives young people a good chance to be prepared for the world of work without losing sight of the element of fun.”

The pilot is funded by the Highland Council and European Social Funds, as one of a range of similar projects that Highland Council and its Partners will be supporting across Highland.  It will support 40 young people during the first year. Employers who want to be involved in this initiative can contact Charlotte Barton at the Shirlie Project.