Teamwork helps folk back to work in East Ayrshire

Dec 12 2008 by Clair Fullarton, Kilmarnock Standard

Teamwork helps folk back to work

SUPPORT Employment has celebrated the success of its third programme at an awards ceremony at Kilmarnock’s Park Hotel.

Kilmarnock Football Club has teamed up with Jobcentre Plus’ Support Employment Partnership to deliver a unique community programme that is helping people back to work.

Kilmarnock FC chairman, Michael Johnston said: “This Support Employment programme is an innovative way of recognising people in our local community by using football coaching to help them gain new skills and the confidence to seek work and gain employment.”

Paul McDonald, community coach for Kilmarnock Football Club, provided a presentation about the success of the course.

He said: “Our aim was to introduce a ‘feel good’ and ‘can do’ attitude to the programme. We also wanted to ensure that information regarding healthy living and diet were key components in the training delivery. I can confidently say we have achieved this.

“Employers are also vital to the success of Support Employment. They help deliver workplace visits, work placements, mock interviews and ultimately the jobs the participants go into.”

Linda Lamond of Lamond Bakeries in Kilmarnock along with Kirsten Callaghan from Kilmarnock FC supported the course by carrying out mock interviews with participants.

Linda said: “I noticed a vast improvement in candidates’ confidence between session one and two, more thought had gone into preparing for the interview. The candidates came across very well and hopefully the tips and hints I offered will make a difference and ultimately get them the job they are looking for.”

Participants from the programme were congratulated on their achievements and presented with certificates by Kilmarnock FC players and management.

The participants then provided a presentation about what they had learned and their experiences during the programme.

They also highlighted the extra benefits of joining the programme which included match tickets, football strips, a trip to Hampden and local gym membership.

Jim Burns, external relations manager for Jobcentre Plus, said: “I am delighted with the success of the Support Employment Programme – so far over 20 participants have gone onto training or secured jobs. The Support Employment partnership works alongside Kilmarnock Football Club and provides participants with IT training, healthy living advice and job search support.”

Dee Wright, recruitment manager, Stellar UK, contact centre based in Irvine, attended the awards ceremony, she said: “I was really pleased with the attitude of the participants and have encouraged the group to complete application forms to apply to work with our company.”