Over 25 Employability Hub

Overview

CEIS Ayrshire has successfully run multiple Employability Hubs aimed at enhancing the skills and job readiness of residents living in North Ayrshire. Our hubs have catered to both young people and adults over 25, equipping them with critical skills needed for employment. The structured programmes have proven successful, providing comprehensive pre-employment training, building confidence, and establishing connections with local employers.

Youth Employability Hubs: Building Foundations for the Future

The Youth Employability Hubs previously launched in Ardrossan and Fullarton saw great success. Designed to address the challenges faced by young people entering the world of work, these hubs offered a mix of workshops and practical skills training. Due to their positive outcomes, we are set to roll out more youth-focused hubs in the coming year.

The 25 and Over Employability Hub Pilot

Following the Youth Hub’s success, CEIS Ayrshire launched a pilot Employability Hub specifically for adults aged 25 and over. The programme ran over four weeks and covered a range of essential employment training.

Key Components of the 25 and Over Pilot

Pre-Employment Workshops: Participants engaged in sessions on resilience, confidence building, CV creation, and interview skills. These workshops aimed to prepare clients with comprehensive job searching and interview skills.

Volunteering Opportunities: A highlight of the programme was a visit to The Ayrshire Community Trust (TACT) Volunteer Open Day, offering clients insights into local volunteering options and a chance to engage with community resources.

Employer Engagement: To support our candidates with real interview experience, we facilitated a face-to-face employer event in a supportive environment.

Employer Feedback

The closing event of the hub allowed participants to interview with local employers, including Kilwinning Sports Club, Coast Watch, and Beith Community Trust Development. The feedback from these organisations highlighted the effectiveness of the event.

Calum Hart, Volunteer, Coastwatch:

“It gives people experience; it’s helpful for people to gain experience getting interviewed and feedback. It gets them used to that environment, talking to people.”

Collin Hunter, Development Officer, Kilwinning Community Sports Club:

“It gives the employer an informal chance to meet some candidates, to direct them to the club and to the vacancies. It strengthens our relationship with CEIS Ayrshire. They’ve helped us out with different placements in the past and different positions, and hopefully, that partnership continues.”

Linda Dunbar, Site Manager, Beith Community Trust Development:

“I think it’s very good for the client’s confidence in the interviews. A lot of the times, we get individuals who don’t know how to communicate at an interview. This was quite a good atmosphere. They were still having an interview, but it was less formal and less scary for them. I quite enjoyed it, and it was very varied in ages and skillsets.”

Client Experience and Team Reflections

The feedback from participants revealed significant personal and professional growth throughout the programme. Clients expressed that the programme helped them feel more connected, reduced social isolation, and improved their confidence in group settings.

Lynne Carr, Team Leader for Key Workers, CEIS Ayrshire:

“Looking at the feedback, some clients said it is good to get out of the house, and it’s been company. It’s also beneficial to work in a group setting because they’ve not been able to do that for a long time. They are getting employability support, making new friendships, and building their confidence in group settings. By the end of the fourth week, we could see a difference, especially in their growing confidence.”

Outcome

The Employability Hubs, both for youth and adults over 25, have made a meaningful impact on the communities of Ardrossan and Fullarton. By focusing on skill-building, volunteering, and employer interactions, these programmes have not only prepared clients for the job market but also helped them build lasting relationships and boost their self-assurance.

Get in Touch

If you are interested in participating in future hubs, require employability support, or wish to collaborate as a business partner, please use the form below to get in touch.