Interns and entrepreneurs were among the outstanding talent recognised at the 2018 Renfrewshire Employability Awards.
Renfrewshire employers and employability services nominated local people who they’ve supported through the area’s employability programmes and the winners were announced at a glittering reception at Paisley Town Hall this week.
Television and radio presenter Bryan Burnett hosted the night with awards recognising people preparing for work, achieving in work and in-work progression.
They were awarded by employability partners across the region: West College Scotland; Skills Development Scotland; Developing Young Workforce (West); Engage Renfrewshire; Department of Work and Pensions; University of the West of Scotland; Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership and Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.
Photo: Emma Gormley with Bryan Burnett and Bob Davidson, Programme Director, Developing the Young Workforce West
From the impressive list of finalists, nine winners were announced:
- Most Promising New Employee: Christopher Morris
- Most Promising New Entrepreneur: Bobby Quinn
- Top Intern: Rachael Gray
- Best Trainee: Toni Elliot
- CV Builder (Youth): Emma Gormley
- CV Builder (Adult): Lindsay Murray
- Apprentice of the Year: Rachael McGregor
- Progression in Work: Ronnie Lockhart
- Achiever of the Year: Amy Orr
More than 1000 local businesses support the Council’s Invest in Renfrewshire programme which is based at the Russell Institute building on Causeyside Street, Paisley. It helps 1400 people each year, providing direct access to vacancies, work experience, training, personal support and finance.
The night concluded with Special Recognition awards for local businesses who have gone the extra mile in helping people prepare and progress in work. These awards went to Glencoats Afterschool Care, Wholesale Domestic Equipment Company Ltd and Linstone Housing Association.
Photo: Amy Orr with Bryan Burnett and Sandra Black, Chief Executive, Renfrewshire Council
Renfrewshire Council Depute Leader Jim Paterson said: “These awards are always a proud occasion celebrating the outstanding successes of the people seizing the opportunities Renfrewshire’s employability programmes have given them.
“It is also a chance to give thanks to all the partner agencies and local businesses who are working collaboratively to deliver results. Together, our economy is growing and our employment levels now rank among the highest in Scotland.
“We are determined to build on this platform and this year committed five years of funding to further this, with support targeted to reach the people and the places who need it most.”
The awards are organised by Invest in Renfrewshire on behalf of the Renfrewshire Employability Partnership and the 2018 awards were sponsored by RAMH, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce; Skills Development Scotland and Linstone Housing.
Photo: Ronnie Lockhart is pictured with Bryan Burnett and Fiona MacKay, Head of Strategic Planning and Health Improvement, Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership
Photo: winners and finalists of the awards
Photo: (left to Right): Bobby Quinn, Rachael Gray, Emma Gormley, Christopher Morris, Amy Orr, Ronnie Lockhart and Lindsay Murray (not pictured: Toni Elliot)