Published 16 June 2022
Residents across West Dunbartonshire took advantage of the full package of employability support available to them at a drop in event this week.
The Doorways to Success fayre, which took place at the Concord Centre, was organised by the Council’s Working4U team as a way to bring together their expertise alongside the range of experience Council partners can offer.
Attendees were able to speak with Working4U officers, as well as representatives from a number of different employability partners including the TELL Organisation, Street League, SAMH, West College Scotland, Alternatives, Community Links, Parent Network Scotland, The Lennox Partnership, Enable, YSort It, TIGERS, DWP, Tullochan, Work Connect, Skills Development Scotland and Action for Children.
Working with these providers means the Council can offer enhanced support including engagement and barrier removal activity, access to qualifications, employer engagement, work placements, job searching and upskilling opportunities.
Councillor Craig Edward, Convener of Housing and Communities, was joined by Councillor John Millar, Vice Convener of Housing and Communities, and Deputy Council Leader Councillor Michelle McGinty at the event.
Councillor Edward took the opportunity to speak to residents with previous experience of the employability service as part of a focus group.
Councillor Edward said: “Every element of the service provided by Working4U is vital to ensure our residents are equipped to deal with the pressures facing them.
“As the cost of living crisis continues and many of our residents struggle to make ends meet, this work is more important than ever.
“I feel very passionate about helping our residents to help themselves, about providing opportunities for them to upskill, re-train, gain work experience and generally give them the tools to succeed in the world of work, and make better lives for themselves and their families. It was good to be at this event today and see the difference we are making by offering these opportunities.”
Councillor Millar added: “Our flexible approach to employability support considers the needs of each individual with a strong focus on tackling inequalities so that nobody misses out on job or upskilling opportunities.
“The employability support and guidance we provide in West Dunbartonshire is extremely strong, and we are grateful for the support of partners in ensuring our residents have support to reach their fullest potential.”
If any residents requires support with employment, they can contact Working4U by emailing AdminEmployability@west-dunbarton.gov.uk