West Lothian Council Skills Training Programme

Very Brief Background!  Started life a mirror image of the national Get Ready for Work programme  Currently – roles and responsibilities of external partners are similar  Difference is in the roles and responsibilities of council staff and the development of West Lothian’s employability pipeline

Contracted by West Lothian Council to Interview young people and discuss goals and training needs Agree Individual Learning Plan and match with contracted Training Provider Review every 6-8 weeks to ensure outcomes being met

Training Providers contracted by Skills Development Scotland Forward Training B.L.E.S. (Blackburn Local Employment Scheme) Sibbald Ltd

Training Providers’ Role Discuss Health & Safety, Individual Learning Plan and induction procedures Provide specific training for the individual e.g. literacy or numeracy support, IT training or confidence building Deal with attendance, sick leave, allowance etc Review young person’s progress Assist young person to find work (CV, interview skills)

Placement Providers’ Role  Complete a job description ( bearing in mind young person has little or no experience)  Identify a workplace mentor to support young person (induction, introductions & supervision)  Interview and select from small pool (2 or 3)  Young Persons’ Risk assessment in place – (under 18!)

Mentor’s Role (Buddy!)  A mentor is a more experienced person who relates well to another individual and facilitates their personal development  Build up a positive relationship with the trainee and nurture their potential  Provide an extra level of support and encouragement  Offer a listening ear with a non judgemental attitude  Be a positive role model

Co-ordinator - Miriam  Develop and market the programme within the Council  Maintain a database of placements within the Council  Liaise with and support all partners in the programme and facilitate its smooth operation and development  Develop, monitor and evaluate programme effectiveness

Key worker - Caroline  Provides one to one support to trainees who have not yet secured a positive destination at transition from the programme.  Facilitates positive peer support groups  Ensures all local labour market information is circulated widely to inform all who are supporting the trainees.  Monitors and tracks the trainees through transition

Finally Let’s hear from the people who count…………