Amey, a leading public service provider, is helping to tackle the employment and training deficit caused by coronavirus by providing work placements under the Government’s Kickstart scheme.
The teams working across Amey’s Secure Infrastructure Scottish Schools contracts have pledged to provide ten opportunities for young people at risk of long-term unemployment. Initially, the six-month placements will be offered in Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, Clackmannanshire and the Borders – covering a variety of roles that support Amey’s school maintenance and asset management operations.
During the placement, each young person will learn transferable and industry-standard skills by working directly with the operational teams to keep the schools safe and clean. The placements will provide an understanding of what the working world is like, while increasing confidence and providing the right behaviours needed when seeking future employment. At the end of the course, it is hoped that many of those taking part will progress to a full-time apprenticeship.
This year Amey set out a plan to create an ongoing social impact across the communities it operates in. This pledge will contribute towards these efforts and will aim to provide support to those who face social and economic barriers – as well as inspiring the next generation to think about a career in the asset and facilities management industry.
Amanda Fisher, Chief Executive Officer, Amey, said: “COVID-19 has created numerous challenges for young people when seeking employment and training opportunities. This has further compounded an already challenging environment. As a key employer in Scotland, we recognise the need to support job creation and to help tackle the growing skills gap within our industry. By getting behind the Government’s Kickstart campaign, we are helping to provide a positive impact on young people who might not have had the opportunity or confidence to take that first step into the world of work - giving them every opportunity to succeed in their careers.”