Ayr United team up with Jobcentre Plus

Dec 11 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AYR United have teamed up with Jobcentre Plus to help people get back to work.

The first Support Employment course was a massive success and was celebrated at Somerset Park this week.

The community initiative saw participants go on work placements, undergo mock interviews, IT training and enjoy presentations from employers over 10 weeks.

Participants were also given job search support and healthy living advice.

Shaun Ferrie, community coach at Ayr United, provided a presentation about the course.

He said: “The programme has been very enjoyable and a great success and the club and academy are looking forward to taking part in the next course after the new year.”

Participants from the programme were congratulated on their achievement and presented with certificates by Ayr United players and management.

Darren Farrell, who took part in the course, said: “I have found taking part in Support Employment a very worthwhile experience. The presentations from employers were very helpful. It has made me more confident in looking for work as it gave me a view of what employers would expect from me when applying for jobs.”

Lorna Stalker, from Skills Development Scotland, said: “The programme has been challenging and enjoyable. It has been great to see each participant grow in confidence over the 10 weeks. Every individual has demonstrated skills and qualities which a potential employer needs within their workforce.”