The Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment has been hearing first-hand about the new opportunities young people have been getting thanks to an employability and training programme on Wednesday (6/1/16).
Annabelle Ewing MSP was visiting Oskars, a furniture showroom and social enterprise based in Clark Street, Paisley.
Opened in 2005, Oskars (formerly known as “KibbleWorks Warehouse” and “Project OsKar”) is a charity based in the heart of Paisley that provides a range of second-hand furniture, white goods, and other household items at affordable prices. As part of their social mission, they offer youth employment, education and skills training to young people furthest removed from the job market helping them to access new employment opportunities.
Manager Karen Gilligan said: “It has been great to welcome the Minister to our showroom to see some of the exciting work going on here.
“We are aiming to provide as many training opportunities as possible for local young people and our range of services now include painting and decorating, gardening, bulk uplift services, and home and office clearances.
“Our young people work incredibly hard every day to be ready for the world of work. The skills they gain here help them achieve that goal.”
Annabelle Ewing, Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, said: “Young people can face many challenges in finding work and it is important that support and training is available to ensure that they can see a positive future for themselves. The sort of backing that Oskars provides is vital in ensuring that young people, like those I met today, do not lose hope or give up on their ambitions just when they should be starting out in their careers.
“Today I was able to see the zero waste and recycling social enterprise as well as a tour of some of the 12 other programmes Kibble provides through its young workforce development. These allow the young people taking part to build their skills and confidence and know that they are doing work that is helping their communities.”
Training and employment opportunities at KibbleWorks are open to 16-24 year olds who are currently unemployed. There are also opportunities specifically for those who have care experience. For more information about these opportunities, or to find out more about the services Oskars provide, contact us on 0141 847 6626 or visit www.oskars.org.uk.
