Glasgow companies help tackle youth unemployment
BAE Systems, Street League and Skills Development Scotland have hosted a celebratory event at Glasgow Warriors Stadium for a third cohort of 12 young people aged 16-24 who have successfully completed work experience under the 'Movement to Work' programme.
The young people worked in warehousing, materials management and administration across Central Scotland at employers including Arnold Clark, Aerius Marine, CBI Scotland, FES, Forrest Furnishing, Keyline, Light on the Path, and Righton Ltd.
BAE Systems has been working to encourage its suppliers and local businesses to get involved in Movement to Work which aims to get thousands of unemployed young people into work, training or education by offering work experience placements. Movement to Work is part of a voluntary collaboration of employers, from a range of industry sectors across the UK, working together to tackle the issue of youth unemployment.
Ben Leil, Supply Chain Director – Naval Ships, BAE Systems said: “Long term unemployment can have a devastating impact on young people making it even harder for them to succeed. We are committed to making a difference for young people through our participation in Movement to Work and I’m delighted that we are actively supporting this important programme. Working with local Glasgow-based companies, we hope the programme will to continue to flourish and help even more young people across the UK in the years to come.”
Hugh Aitken, CBI Scotland Director, said: “Tackling youth unemployment requires coordination and commitment. By offering high quality vocational training and work placements companies can help young people develop the confidence and skills they need to find a rewarding career.
"Schemes like Movement to Work help businesses to boost inclusion by creating more and better opportunities for young people, which is the right thing to do but is also of vital importance to our future economy."
Street League, the delivery partner for this cohort, ran the 12 week programme which consisted of eight weeks in of classroom-based skills and employability training, with two to four weeks of work experience with the employers thereafter. This is the third such cohort which has seen six permanent job offers, one temporary role and one young adult has been accepted to college to date.
Since 2015 over 30 young adults have completed Movement to Work placements at BAE Systems Naval Ships in Glasgow.
BAE Sysems has supported Movement to Work since 2014. Over 80 young people who have completed the programme are now employed by BAE Systems across the country.