Dozens of young people are supported into work
A recruitment drive supported by North Ayrshire Council to help young jobseekers find work has seen 30 young people gain permanent employment.
Employers across North Ayrshire were recently encouraged to join a Personal Recruitment Incentive (PRI) programme that offers grants to businesses that create job opportunities for young people.
North Ayrshire Local Employability Partnership (LEP) is made up of a range of partners who use their combined resources to help reduce unemployment and increase employment across North Ayrshire. The Partnership – which includes North Ayrshire Council – is supporting hundreds of unemployed young people to make positive life changes and progress to employment.
Local employers were invited to create opportunities for young people to secure employment and, in return, were offered a grant of up to £5,500 - 50 per cent of the Real Living Wage - for up to 35 hours per week for up to 26 weeks.
This opportunity was exclusively available to young people preparing for employment through the support delivered by the Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire programme – which is part of the council’s employability service.
The programme was a great success, with:
- 47 employers registering for the incentive
- 67 young people receiving a job placement
- 34 completing placements so far and
- 30 of the 34 being kept on by employers
One of the many success stories is Sam MacDonald, who got involved with the PRI programme when he was just 17.
He joined West Coast Motors in West Kilbride and company director Ollie Wood said: “Initially, Sam helped out on weekends while still at school. Even at that early stage, it was clear he had a real passion for mechanics – and over the past year, that passion has grown into genuine skill and confidence.
“Now 18, Sam has become an invaluable part of our team. He’s taken a hands-on role in preparing our cars, contributing directly to the quality of our stock.
“We’ve also seen a remarkable improvement in his people skills – he’s now regularly interacting with customers and handling new situations with maturity and professionalism.
“Watching Sam grow has been incredibly rewarding for all of us. His journey is a brilliant example of how a bit of support and the right opportunity can unlock potential in a young person. We’re proud to have him on our team and grateful to the PRI programme for making it possible.”
As part of the PRI scheme, the council’s employability team helped to match suitable candidates with businesses, while also setting up interviews and work experience placements to lead to employment offers.
Quote: This programme has been a great success, thanks to our employability team’s effort, the open-minded approach from local businesses who have been keen to support young people and - of course - the determination of the candidates. As a local authority, we strive to create a North Ayrshire that is ‘fair for all.’ Well-being is one of our priorities to achieve this aim, and creating opportunities to help our young people flourish is vital in our drive to make life better for everyone. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Quote from: Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy
Please note: The council’s Employability Service delivers a range of support through its Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire programme. Contracted partners delivering Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire include We Work for Families and CEIS Ayrshire, who contribute to delivering a wide range of support to help individuals prepare and progress into employment. To access any of the opportunities delivered by Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire please email employability@north-ayrshire.gov.uk You can also find out how the team can help you with things like CVs, application forms, Modern Apprenticeships, paid work experience, interview techniques and secure employment by going online here.
Follow the team on Facebook at "Working North Ayrshire".
Published: 27 May 2025