Training providers and support agencies in Aberdeen are being offered the opportunity to participate in a £2.2million project aimed at helping city residents into employment.
Aberdeen City Council is seeking organisations to take part in the Employability Pipeline – Progress Through Positive Partnerships project, which is designed to provide support and tailored assistance to develop employment and vocational skills for city residents.
Part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), the project, which forms part of the City Centre Masterplan, will see the council work in partnership with a range of training and development organisations, including charities, to provide increased employability services and positive outcomes across the city.
Council officers are offering to meet with organisations to explain the project and how they can participate in it.
The project will establish and develop a strategic employability pipeline. It will improve the co-ordination of service provision and ensure that those in need of it receive local support tailored specifically to address their individual needs.
The project will specifically target the regeneration areas of Middlefield, Torry, Woodside, Seaton and Tillydrone, where increased levels of support will be offered, providing additional opportunities to help those people with multiple barriers to move closer to the labour market by enabling them to develop relevant skills based on their individual needs and abilities.
As well as the geographic areas, the project will also focus on specific groups, including: unemployed; those in low-paid employment; clients in recovery; women returners; care leavers; those for whom English is not their first language; ethnic minorities; people facing other disadvantages, including those with long term health issues, disabilities, alcohol or drug misuse issues; ex-offenders; and care leavers.
Workers in the retail, care, security and service sectors employed on zero hours contracts or who are underemployed and who wish to secure additional hours or more stable, less precarious employment, will also be targeted.
Council officers are keen to encourage a range of training providers and support agencies to tender to offer more support services to ensure the breadth of provision to meet the needs of the project’s beneficiaries.
Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “As our city is transforming Aberdeen City Council look forward to working in partnership with numerous organisations from across the region on this exciting new venture.
“We are in the midst of the largest transformation programme that our city has ever seen, however the plans for the future are not just about bricks and mortar it is about inclusive economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.”
The ESF is contributing £880,000 (40%) of the project funding.
If you would like to find out further information or arrange a meeting please contact Angela Taylor, Senior Project Officer, angtaylor@aberdeencity.gov.uk or Heather Farquhar, Team Leader, hfarquhar@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Notes of interest in participating in the scheme must be received by Wednesday February 1.