Jobs, skills and career support available at first Renfrewshire Employability Week

Renfrewshire job seekers, school pupils, students and those thinking about a change of career are some of the groups being encouraged to take part in the first-ever Renfrewshire Employability Week.

Taking place from 2 to 6 September 2024, and facilitated by the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership, it brings together Renfrewshire Council with a range of partners and local businesses to support people to access new careers, identify job vacancies and obtain new skills to help them progress into work or climb the ladder.

More than 20 free events will take place as part of the week of action, including the opportunity to meet key local employers such as Malcolm, GRAHAM, and McTaggart Construction, as well gain insight and guidance into how to start work in the social care sector.

There will also be an open event at Paisley Town Hall to outline the exciting career opportunities available across the public sector, a jobs fair showcasing the latest vacancies in retail, and advice and guidance how to take the step successfully into self-employment.

The Renfrewshire Employability Conference will also bring together professionals to review the local economy in Renfrewshire and identify how partners, businesses, the public and third sector can make a positive difference in the short, medium and long-term.

Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted to see such a range of activity taking place during the first Renfrewshire Employability Week as we encourage people to seek out new opportunities or advance their skills.

“It’s great to see such prominent employers offering people opportunities into their industries, as well as jobs fairs and skills sessions meaning there is something for everyone looking for employability support.

“All of the events are free so I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to gain advice and guidance on how to advance their careers, how to move into an industry they’ve always wanted to work in, or purely see what jobs are currently out there and take part in the week’s activities.”

In addition to the range of jobs and skills events, schools pupils will visit the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) to promote careers in advanced manufacturing and life and chemical sciences, while others will visit the site of the new Paisley Grammar School and Community Campus and of the Renfrew Bridge to learn from construction firms GRAHAM and Morrison Construction about a career in the industry.

Stewart McKinlay, Director, Manufacturing Skills Academy , National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, said: “The NMIS Manufacturing Skills Academy is excited to be involved in Renfrewshire Employability Week and we are looking forward to welcoming the next generation of potential engineers, technicians, and researchers through our doors. We’re committed to providing people with valuable connections and experiences that demonstrate the varied and rewarding roles available to them locally within manufacturing.”

A full programme of events with information on how to sign up if required is available on the Renfrewshire Council website at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/employability-week.