How the Youth Hub Helped Tom Find Work
Youth Employment Support in North Ayrshire
CEIS Ayrshire and North Ayrshire Council work together to reduce youth unemployment by linking young people with job opportunities in the local area. The council offers a Personal Recruitment Incentive (PRI) of up to £5,500 to employers to create jobs for people aged 16–24. These roles are available exclusively through our Youth Hub, where young people can browse job opportunities and get employability support. Tom Hendry, a recent client, found success through our youth hub, landing a PRI job with Arnott & Bryce Fencing.
Tom’s Situation
Tom was referred to the Youth Hub by the Job Centre. He needed help with job searching, CV writing, and cover letters. He was interested in construction, mechanics, or roofing and already had a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, giving him a head start in those fields. Tom had been unemployed for less than 6 months and was determined to find work as soon as possible.
Support from the Youth Hub
Tom was assigned a key worker, Joanne, who invited him to the Youth Hub in Irvine. While browsing the PRI job listings, he was interested in a role at Wilson’s Auctions. However, the job required three years of driving experience, and he only had two.
Joanne helped Tom update his CV and write a cover letter for Wilson’s Auctions, but he didn’t hear back. Instead of waiting, Joanne encouraged him to consider other roles. She suggested a position at Arnott & Bryce Fencing, knowing he had some previous experience working in fencing. His CV was sent to Alastair at Arnott & Bryce Fencing, and things moved quickly from there.
Getting the Job
Within two weeks of registering with CEIS Ayrshire, Tom secured a job offer. Alastair was keen to bring him on board, and Tom started working three days a week for the first few months, with plans to increase his hours.
A follow-up call confirmed that Tom was settling in well. He liked the team, was using his existing skills, and was learning new ones. When we met him and Alastair on-site in Ardrossan, Tom was busy digging holes and fitting fence posts, repairing the damage caused by Storm Eowyn. He was enjoying the hands-on work, and Alastair was impressed with his determination and work ethic. He planned to offer Tom a full-time position in March.
The Impact of PRI Jobs
PRI jobs benefit both young jobseekers and employers. The financial support helps businesses create opportunities, while the Youth Hub provides a direct link between young people and job vacancies. Tom’s experience shows how the right support at the right time can make a real difference.
If you need help finding a job, contact us today.
