A scheme to boost employment figures in Moray and stop the drain of young talent has been launched.
More than 20 organisations, including the council, chamber of commerce and the JobCentre, had joined forces to form Moray Pathways, a single point of contact for businesses and people to access information on skills, employment, training and support.
The consortium has developed a website and social media platforms, and hope to become a one-stop shop for people to find out about employment opportunities, training and connect with what is on offer.
>> Moray Pathways website <<
Amy Cruickshank, opportunities for all officer at Moray Council, is the project co-ordinator and hopes the new scheme will make sure no one in Moray is left behind when it comes to having a career.
She said: “We want to make a difference for people of all ages in Moray so that they have one central place to come to and that their employability journey is easier and simpler.
“Ultimately we want to lower the unemployment rate in Moray but initially we will be focusing on those who need the most support and at areas of Moray that need additional support put in.”
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A drain of talent leaving Moray has been highlighted by various agencies and this initiative will help to make the region more attractive to young people.
Moray Council leader and chairman of the economic development committee, Graham Leadbitter, called the service “unique” and hailed it for helping everyone involved in employment from businesses to young people.
He said: “This will really draw out young people’s talents that might have been untapped before and help them to realise what talent they have and identify the huge range of skills they have to get on with life and get the most out of their future career.”
Some of the growth sectors in Moray will be specifically targeted, including early education and child care and health and social care.
DYW Moray are also involved in the scheme and programme manager Sarah Baxter said: “I think having a one-stop shop for young people to go to is really important and will help both keeping young talented people here and bringing them into employment.”