Job-seeking Recruits reach for the skies
A group of young jobseekers are hoping their careers will soon take flight after they were given clearance for take-off from a senior airport boss.
The latest batch of hopefuls in Renfrewshire Council’s highly-regarded Recruit programme packed their bags for Glasgow Airport, where they were given a glimpse into the world of high-flying.
The Recruit is a youth employment programme loosely based on telly favourite The Apprentice, where entrants take part in a series of challenges, with a job on offer at the end for the overall winner.
This version of The Recruit is for people aged between 18 and 24 who have found themselves out of work and are looking to improve their CVs to get back in.
Also running is a programme for unemployed 16 and 17 year-olds. Both programmes started in January and will conclude with a grand finale in March, where the overall winners will be revealed.
Craig Martin, head of human resources for Glasgow Airport, gave the 18-to-24-year-old Recruits a presentation showing how staff there hit the heights of customer service.
He said: “We focussed on customer service skills, as we have had a major focus on that in the airport, and wanted to share our experiences with them.
“Customer service skills will be important in any job. I was impressed by the group – they are all volunteers who are trying to improve their situations.
“The Recruit is a fantastic programme and it is great they have an involvement with so many local employers.”
Councillor Roy Glen, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Jobs Policy Board, said: “Tackling youth unemployment is one of the key priorities of this council.
“The Recruit is an innovative and fun programme which has been a fixture in the council calendar for a number of years now.
“During this time, it has provided a direct route into work for many local young people, while equipping plenty more with the skills to do so.
“As always, we are grateful to the individuals and organisations such BAA who give up their time to help run challenges. Their help and input is hugely valued.”
The Recruit is run by Renfrewshire Council’s Youth Employability Services.
Since January, the fifteen young people in the 18-to-24-year-old programme have enjoyed a variety of business-related tasks, helped by organisations such as St Mirren and Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.
They have also been given training relating to CVs and interviews, and taken part in a challenge to create their own team logos.
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