ABZWorks is appealing to businesses across the North-east to support Aberdeen residents by offering funded-work experience placements.
The initiative is part of a wider effort by ABZWorks – Aberdeen City Council’s Employability and Skills Service – to help anyone living in Aberdeen to enter or re-enter the workforce through a structured employability pathway.
Councillor Christian Allard, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “We are looking for companies and businesses in a range of sectors to support our participants by providing work placements for 12 weeks, fully-funded and at no cost to the employer.
“If you live in Aberdeen and are looking for support to get into work, I would encourage you to find out more about what ABZWorks has to offer – whether you are just starting out, changing careers, or returning to work after time away – ABZWorks is here to help you take that next step.”
Key features of the placement include:
- Up to 30 hours per week, with flexible arrangements agreed by both parties.
- Paid at the Real Living Wage with employers’ on-costs included.
- One-to-one support for both the business and the participant throughout the placement.
- Access to training to help participants progress.
- Support with travel costs, work clothing, and settling into a new role.
The 12-week placements, which are paid for via No One left Behind monies from the Scottish Government and the United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund from the UK Government, must be completed by 31 March 2026.
Businesses that take part will not only be helping individuals gain valuable experience, but also help contribute to a stronger, more inclusive local economy, supporting the aims of the Local Employability Partnership alongside the Regional Economic Strategy. There is a particular focus on supporting people with health conditions or disabilities, and on the growth and volume sectors.
To find out more, visit http://www.abzworks.co.uk or email abzworks@aberdeencity.gov.uk or call 01224 070200 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm).
If you live in Aberdeen, are not in employment, education or training, and want to learn more about paid work experience placements, click here to read the leaflet.