AIMED at helping unemployed and vulnerable young people aged 16-24 into paid job training opportunities, the Community Jobs Scotland Employability Programme, established in 2011 by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has helped thousands of young people aged 16-24 into work.

In North Ayrshire, 330 jobs have been created with 38 different employers.

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson, after speaking in a Scottish Parliament debate in praise of Community Jobs Scotland, said: “Community Jobs Scotland focuses on helping young people who have the greatest difficulty in finding employment.

“And yet its success rate is unmistakable, with 52 per cent of participants being retained by their employer after the end of their initial job, and a further total of 68 per cent positive outcomes into jobs, volunteering or education.

“Through its competitive action and interview process, Community Jobs Scotland lays the groundwork for the sense of belonging and teamwork conducive to young peoples’ successful integration into a real work environment, 

building confidence and self-esteem.

“In many cases, a permanent job creates a sense of security in the lives of young people that may have previously been absent.”

Funding of £6.1 million for Phase 6 of the programme, which is currently underway, was announced by the First Minister on February 17 last year.

This extension of the already successful initiative will support a further 700 jobs for vulnerable young people through a range

of voluntary organisations across all 32 Scottish local authorities.

Opportunities include those aimed at the care experienced, young people with criminal convictions, early armed forces service leavers, carers and young people with a disability or long-term health conditions.

The programme contributes to creating a world class vocational education system capable of reducing youth unemployment by 40 per cent by 2021.