Routes To Work, which was founded more than 21 years ago to support people back into employment, has helped change the lives of more than 22,000 North Lanarkshire residents by providing sector-leading skills and employability support.
A new project, the Coatbridge Community Engagement Project, which was set up in the town in January this year, is to be rolled out to three other communities in the area.
The project works with the local community through the delivery of intense engagement, pre-employability, and personal development activities.
Alex McVey, Convener of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee, said: “This highly successful project demonstrates innovative practice and has people and skills as an investment priority.
“I’m delighted to say that it will continue through to March 2025, and Routes To Work is already planning on expanding it to include a further three local communities in North Lanarkshire.”
The project delivers a ‘place-based’ engagement service to people who are unemployed or economically inactive and reside in Ward 7 – Coatbridge North.
The initiative is one of several aimed at supporting local job seekers including a high-profile advertising campaign by North Lanarkshire’s Working.
Councillor Alex McVey visited the Routes To Work office in Coatbridge to meet staff and hear about the support they can offer through their partnership with North Lanarkshire Council.
During his visit, he met case workers who ensure local people get the help they need to find the right job for them.
He also heard about the range of support Routes To Work deliver on behalf of the council including training, job search and support to make sure that their clients are better off in work.
Councillor McVey spoke to Kate Clark, Depute Chief Executive and Gary Douglas, Operations Manager and learned about the range of opportunities available for all ages, with specific support aimed at young people as well as programmes that help people with health issues and parents looking to get back to work.
“I was impressed by the commitment of Routes To Work staff to their clients and making sure that the support they receive is right for them and matched to their circumstances”, said Councillor McVey, Convener of the Enterprise and Fair Work Committee.
“We are committed to providing employability services to local people in their communities and in a way that treats them with respect and helps them improve their income from work and Routes To Work embodies those values.”
Kate Clark, Depute Chief Executive at Routes To Work Ltd, said “We provide advice, information, guidance and practical support to develop and enhance the employment prospects of our clients. Each client’s journey is unique, and we collaborate with our clients to remove their barriers and progress them on their route back into employment.”
Routes To Work Ltd. is a registered charity founded in 2002, offering a free, confidential service helping unemployed residents in the North Lanarkshire area to access opportunities in employment, education, and training.
To find out more, go to:
For jobseekers: northlanarkshiresworking.co.uk
For employers northlanarkshiresworking.co.uk/employers-in-north-lanarkshire