In a Scottish Government debate on ‘Employability’ Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has commended an enterprising work placement scheme in Perth.
‘Property Plus’ is a 13 week paid work experience programme that gives youngsters the chance to learn new skills and enhance their CV.
Two work squads of 15 between the ages of 16 and 24 will take part in renovating void council house for re-use. The scheme is the first of its kind in Scotland.
In his speech the member for Mid-Scotland and Fife also urged for the removal of red tape from small businesses looking to hire work placement students.
Speaking in the chamber Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The only way that someone can get the skills that they need for the workforce is by gaining experience, which is why workplace schemes are so important. Much good work is going on in that regard. I was interested to learn about the new property plus project in Perth and Kinross, which is aimed at getting 16 to 24-year-olds into work. Through the project, disadvantaged youngsters who have been through a community payback scheme enter into a paid work programme of 13 weeks, during which they help to repair void council houses, upgrading the properties so that they are ready to take new tenants.
“The scheme provides a group of youngsters with employment and training, under supervision. It gives them all the things that they need to help them to get back into the workforce and it provides the council with an asset that it would not have had otherwise, in the form of a property that is available to re-let. There are currently 15 youngsters in Perth and Kinross taking part in that project, with another 15 due to join it this month. The project is being run by the council in partnership with the charity Action for Children. It is a worthwhile project and, if it is a success, similar projects should be rolled out elsewhere in the country.
“We need to do more to develop work experience in schools. We have come a long way as a country—when I was in school many years ago, no work experience was available. It is now routinely available for youngsters in secondary 4 upwards but there are barriers. We need to do much more to remove some of the red tape.”