Marvin OnumonuAberdeenshire Council has backed a scheme called ‘Workwise’ aimed at helping people in the North East get into work.
The Workwise programme brings together Aberdeen City Council, NESCol and Aberdeenshire Council to support school leavers and adults through virtual work experience and online content.
The project received £250,000 from Ufi VocTech Trust, a charity that supports technology to help adults improve skills for work.
The funding will be used to create resources for North East residents, including virtual work experience, skills development, confidence building, and videos of local people talking about their jobs.
The programme was developed with other local partners and aims to build skills, awareness and understanding of the local jobs market.
It will include digital modules with people from the area explaining their roles, confidence-building support, advice on study and digital skills, funding, support networks and progression routes, and a digital work experience platform.
Martin Greig, education and children’s services convener at Aberdeen City Council, said: “The generous funding offer from Ufi VocTech Trust will provide welcome support for young people and adults with limited work experience to help them develop their knowledge and skills in preparation for the job market.
“This new programme involves partnership collaboration with the aim of increasing individuals’ understanding of the work environment and feeling prepared for it.
“The approach uses technology and digital innovation to enhance their employment choices and opportunities.”
Caroline O’Donnell, grants programme manager at Ufi VocTech Trust, said: “We are proud to support this programme of work led by Aberdeen City Council, which reflects our ambition to support the adoption and deployment of technology to ensure every adult in the UK can gain the skills they need to participate in and benefit from our transitioning economy.
“By combining digital learning with in-person experience, the programme addresses key barriers to employment, particularly in communities furthest from opportunity, helping people build the confidence and skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce.”
Councillor David Keating, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “This is an exciting programme which has the potential to transform people’s lives by getting them into work with the skills they need.
“With the support of Ufi VocTech Trust, this approach, utilising technology and innovation will open doors for young people and adults alike.
“The scheme will not just help people understand the world of work, but grow their confidence and ambition.”
Keating added: “I’m especially pleased that we have been able to work together with our neighbouring council for the benefit of all our constituents.”
Robert Laird, head of planning and academic partnerships at NESCol, said: “We look forward to working with our project partners to develop and deliver this initiative.
“The course will be a 40-hour interactive programme covering personal development, personal organisation and time management, study skills, digital skills, finance options for students and progression pathways.
“In addition to both local authorities there will be input from SWAP East, Skills Development Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce North East, and both of the city’s universities.”
Laird added: “It is a very powerful example of the collaborative work being undertaken in the North East as partners come together to broaden the options available for all those who are keen to pursue opportunities in education and employment.”
