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Council launches new work skills scheme

Liam Shand and Callum Watt are the first to take part in a new work skills scheme
Liam Shand and Callum Watt are the first to take part in a new work skills scheme

A new scheme in Aberdeen which aims to help young people out of care and into jobs is a UK first.

The project, led by the city council will help youths who have been looked after by the local authority learn the skills they need for the world of work.

The first people to take part in the initiative are 16-year-olds Liam Shand and Callum Watt.

The pair will be working at the council’s Kittybrewster depot three days a week for the next three months.

They will spend the first three weeks experiencing a range of work offered by the council, including fleet maintenance, plumbing, joinery and painting and decorating.

They will then spend four weeks focussing on two trades, before choosing the one they will work on for the remaining five weeks.

Callum admiited he was nervous but looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s a lot to take in,” he said.

“I’m really just open to anything I can try, I just want the experience.”

On successfully completing the course, the youngsters will be given a certificate which they can show to prospective employers.

The council’s building services operations manager Kiemon Stewart said the documentation could also stand them in good stead with the local authority when vacancies arise in future.

“They can come back to us the next time we recruit for apprentices and the fact that they have completed our 12-week course will give them some priority,” he said.

The idea arose after council chief executive Angela Scott was introduced to young people who had an interest in working with tools.

She explained: “We quickly realised that we could create a scheme to give them the chance to turn that ambition into action.

“By committing time and effort into young people at this critical time in their life we can have a transformative impact on their future and also increase the skills base in Aberdeen.”