Skills On and Off the Pitch Score with Glasgow Job Seekers
The Old Firm today (Friday August 11) teamed up with Jobcentre Plus, Careers Scotland and the Glasgow Employer Coalition, all part of the Glasgow Welfare to Work Forum, for the official launch of their Support Employment programme, with the goal of helping jobseeking fans off benefits and into employment.
The ten week programme runs simultaneously at each club, using football coaching at Ibrox and Celtic Park as the tool to motivate participants and educate them on the softer skills required to become ‘job ready’.
The scheme is the latest example of the radical work being done within the Glasgow Welfare To Work Forum, a partnership of all the main public agencies fighting unemployment, which this week announced the welcome news that the number of Glasgow people on benefits has fallen below the 100,000 barrier – down to 99,747 from 121,228 in 2002.
Rangers and Celtic fans on the scheme will train close to their heroes for much of the time - but part of the course involves a swap over, with Gers supporters training at Parkhead and Celtic supporters at Ibrox.
Three-quarters of participants in earlier pilot phases, many who have exceptional challenges to overcome, move into work or training leading to work. More than half (53%) of participants were still in employment 13 weeks after completing the course.
Participants are treated as representatives of their chosen football club for the duration of the course.
The programme covers:
- Football coaching delivered by coaches from both sides of the Old Firm, the aim of which is to motivate individuals and build 'soft skills'
- Career planning and employability support from Careers Scotland
- Personal development coaching
- Support from a dedicated personal adviser from Jobcentre Plus
- Support from learndirect scotland
- Introductory IT delivered Cumbernauld College
- NHS sessions on healthy lifestyles
- Careers talks by employers
- Work placements through Glasgow City Council
Michael Lynch of Careers Scotland, who delivers the Support Employment programme, explained the thinking behind the course. He said:
“The Support Employment programme is unique in its approach to getting people back into work. Not only do we have the benefit of being involved with Glasgow’s premier football clubs who are committed to improving their communities, but we have opened this project to people of all ages and backgrounds."
“We are dealing with people who have significant challenges to overcome. The progress made by our participants over the 10 weeks of the course is amazing. Not only do they discover their own talents they didn’t know they had, many are experiencing what it is like to work for the first time. The support and encouragement that they show for each other is commendable.”
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT
Kevin Doran, Jobcentre Plus Director for Scotland, said:
“We’re extremely pleased at the success pilot phases of the programme have achieved in Glasgow and look forward to witnessing the achievements of the next phase of participants."
“Following our successes in Glasgow, we have ambitions to extend the programme throughout Scotland. Discussions are ongoing with clubs throughout the country including Dundee, Dundee United, Falkirk and St Mirren”Danny Logue, Regional Manager for Careers Scotland, said:
“Motivation is vital to finding and keeping a job and this project provides the participants with enthusiasm, confidence and the skills to help them achieve their goals. Careers Scotland’s aim is to help the people of Scotland secure the jobs of tomorrow and this is a great example of creative partnership working.”Celtic's Chief Peter Lawwell commented,
"We were delighted to become involved in the Support Employment Programme, an initiative which has already made a huge difference to the lives of so many people. We have been pleased to welcome almost 100 people so far to Celtic Park and hope to provide support to many more in the future. Celtic was established in 1888 to assist people in need and we are very proud that today through this project and many others, we are able ensure that we continue Celtic's important work within the community."A spokesperson for Rangers Football Club said:
"Rangers Football in the Community team are involved in a range of worthwhile projects which make a significant difference to the lives of many individuals from a variety of backgrounds and this project has been successful in achieving this objective. The powerful influence that both football and the Old Firm can have over the decisions taken by individuals has been harnessed and has resulted in an extremely successful innovative project which has enabled employment to be gained for many of the cities longer term unemployed."
"We are delighted to be working with our partners Jobcentre Plus, Careers Scotland and the Employment Coalition and hope that the success of the project will allow it to develop and expand and benefit more of Glasgow's unemployed."
Jim McColl, chairman of the Glasgow Welfare to Work Forum said:
“The Support Employment is just one of many examples of the fantastic work taking place in the Glasgow area aimed at getting as many of the city’s unemployed off benefits and back into work or training for work.”
Stan Paterson, project manager of Support Employment and director of the Glasgow Employers Coalition, said:
“This is a unique programme that combines training in essential soft skills with providing a direct link to employers. This greatly increases participants’ chances of securing sustainable employment.”
11/08/06
