The double glazing firm CR Smith have launched a campaign to find 100 employers to join their Hand Picked 100 initiative.
This is a programme which aims to get young people into work, and it has already been successful. They have helped young people between 16-24 learn new skills to help them with their career prospects.They then find them a 3 month placement in a paid job and the employer supports and mentors them throughout.
CR Smith boss Gerard Eadie CBE is looking for 100 employers from a range of different businesses to join the Hand Picked 100 network. There are Hand Picked events and each business is encouraged to run an academy in their local community. CR Smith offer full support for these academies.
Mr Eadie said: “I fundamentally believe that it is employers who create jobs and it follows that employers are best placed to teach young people about the workplace. So, if we are serious about shaping the future workforce for a more prosperous Scotland, it is down to employers and business owners, like me, to step up and get involved. That’s why Hand Picked was formed.
“Our aim is to find jobs for 100 young people and we are calling on employers in businesses of all sizes to join the campaign and become a life-changer.
“I am asking 100 employers to give one young person a 90 day paid job so that they learn the expectations of the workplace and take that experience onto their next job interview.
“That is how businesses can invest in everyone’s future.”
Companies already on board include Taylor Wimpey, FES Ltd and James Donaldson & Sons. Hand Picked also has the backing of local schools, the third sector and employment agencies.
Martyn Campbell, Production Director, Taylor Wimpey East Scotland added: “Hand Picked is a great learning tool for young unemployed people and the Academy week is great for both prospective employers and the students. It gives the young people the opportunity to work in a team environment where their strengths and weaknesses come to light. They grow in confidence from the tasks set during the week and this prepares them to be professional and positive in their approach to employers when attending interviews for any jobs.
“Taylor Wimpey has employed students for our apprenticeship programme in tandem with Hand Picked. Going forward this will benefit Taylor Wimpey and the construction industry in the future.
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