2 - Employability Service update - August 2025 - AM reviewed
Renfrewshire Council · 26 August 2025
Back to Economy and Regeneration Policy Board — 26 August 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Economy and Regeneration Policy Board On: 26 August 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Employability Services Update ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 Employability has been a key priority for Renfrewshire Council for many years. Securing employment changes lives, creates opportunity and can lift people from poverty. Many individuals face significant challenges and barriers to obtaining and sustaining work and there is a strong demand for employability support. 1.2 Employability is a key element of the Council’s economic development service, Invest in Renfrewshire, and the team work with other members of the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership (LEP) to support people in the area to prepare for, and secure, work. 1.3 This report provides the board with an end of year report and general update on the delivery of Renfrewshire Council employability services, including: • An overview of 2024-25 delivery, client breakdown and performance. • An overview of the Local Investment Plan for employability, 2025-26. • Plans for September 2025, Renfrewshire Employability Month. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Board: (i) Note the end of year report for the performance and delivery of employability services in 2024-25 including 100% grant claims across both UK and Scottish Government funding allocations.
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(ii) Note the Local Employability Partnership Annual Investment Plan for Employability delivery in 2025-26; (iii) Note the plans for Employability Month in Renfrewshire for September 2025. ___________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 Employability plays an essential role in delivering both Scottish Government’s and local government’s aims of tackling poverty, promoting inclusion and social justice and creating a fair and prosperous Scotland. It is a key component of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET), contributing to delivering the vision for a strong economy where good, secure and well-paid jobs and growing businesses have driven a significant reduction in poverty and child poverty. 3.2 “No One Left Behind” promotes a partnership approach to employability at a local level where national and local government are working together with public, private and third sector organisations to identify local needs and deliver a mixed economy of provision. Local Employability Partnerships (LEPs) have been established in every local authority to design and deliver services that meet the needs of people and labour markets in their area. 3.3 Renfrewshire’s LEP has been established for over 14 years and is recognised nationally as best practice in terms of local place based partnership approaches to meeting the needs of the local area. Strong and trusting relationships amongst partners, open and transparent decision making and a data led approach, has ensured that employability services are working well and supporting local people, especially many who are considered amongst the hardest to reach and with the longest journeys into work. 3.4 Scottish Government funding for employability comes to the local authority (as the accountable body for the funds) for decisions to be made at the LEP level about the needs of the area. Renfrewshire LEP meets regularly throughout the year as a strategic group, supported by 6 thematic specialist groups and a practitioners network incorporating over 30 delivery partners. ___________________________________________________________________ 4. End of Year Report: 2024-25 Delivery of Employability Services 4.1 An overview of the planned Employability Services activity for 2024-25 was brought to the Economy and Regeneration Policy Board 27th August 2024. This outlined funding sources and indicative client numbers for the year ahead through the Annual Investment Plan (AIP). 4.2 Funding: the AIP indicated that external funding had been secured from the UK SPF for that year as well as the Scottish Government under No One Left Behind. Total External Funding secured was:
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Scottish Government Grant Commitment: £2,182,000 • NOLB All-Age Employability Support £942,000 • NOLB Tackling Child Poverty £1,240,000 UK SPF £1,200,000 TOTAL EXTERNAL FUNDS £3,382,000 UPDATE: Renfrewshire Council used, and submitted claims for, 100% of this funding to deliver the programme in 2024-5. All available funding was utilised. In addition, Renfrewshire Council, through the Invest in Renfrewshire programme, contributed over £1M to the delivery of employability services in 2024-25. 4.3 Client Numbers: estimated client numbers for the year were 1,800 of which 1,300 would be new registrations in that year. UPDATE: final numbers for the year showed that 1,902 individual people had been supported, of which: • 473 continued to receive support from 23/24 and had been included as the carry forward into April 2024. • 1,429 started as new entrants in this year. 4.4 Outcomes: the AIP estimated around 500 people would move into work through employability support in 2024-25. UPDATE: 528 people secured new employment through the service during that year with a further 150 people moving into other positive destinations such as education and training. In addition, 680 people achieved qualifications through the service (an increase from 350 people in the previous year). 4.5 Appendix 1 of this report provides a full report on the individuals getting support through the service during 2024-25. NOLB aims to support those with additional barriers to employment and who require the most support. The breakdown of client information provided in the Appendix identifies the key characteristics of those supported. 4.6 Appendix 2 of this report provides some typical case studies of clients supported. ___________________________________________________________________ 5. Employability: Annual Investment Plan for 2025-26 5.1 Renfrewshire Council is required to submit an Annual Investment Plan (AIP) to the Scottish Government which outlines the planned activities (in full, not just with NOLB funding) for each financial year. The plan includes all activities funded via the LEP and Invest in Renfrewshire and also provides some information on wider initiatives in the area. 5.2 The plan for the current year is similar to that submitted previously but with increased focus on specialist employability support for those with disabilities. Numbers and outcomes are expected to be very similar to the previous year.
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5.3 The Local Employability Partnership commission a range of required services at the start of each financial year and for the 25-26 period the following services are confirmed: No of PLACES THEMATIC GROUP DELIVERY PARTNER Grant awarded 20 CRIMINAL JUSTICE Apex (Labyrinth) (Criminal convictions) £44,435.52 12 VOCATIONAL Barnardos - Childcare Bootcamp £19,409.99 40 YOUNG PEOPLE Barnardos - Step 2 Work £85,707.22 30 YOUNG PEOPLE Barnardos - Works Digital £35,650.06 20 SELF EMPLOYMENT BDA - Self Employment (P) £44,400.00 5 VOCATIONAL Brick Lane Music Academy £5,196.00 12 DISABILITY Capability Scotland TBC £52,000.00 15 PARENTS/KINSHIP Challenges Grp £22,513.51 10 VOCATIONAL Generation - Green Skills Bootcamp £25,001.57 10 VOCATIONAL Glasgow Community Transport £54,319.52 10 VOCATIONAL GTG - Get into Mechanics £17,574.30 5 CARE EXPERIENCED Haus of Seisey £11,867.92 36 VOCATIONAL Hub International (Hospitality & Tourism) (Youth) £67,141.44 12 PARENTS/KINSHIP I Was Gonnae £13,375.00 36 REFUGEE/ASYLUM Kairos £8,380.94 10 YOUNG PEOPLE Kibble - Future Ready £15,768.35 10 VOCATIONAL Kings Trust £23,525.60 16 CRIMINAL JUSTICE Kustom Kruizers £9,216.00 10 PARENTS/KINSHIP RAMH Living Life to the Full £3,838.82 100 MENTAL HEALTH RAMH Wellbeing Skills for Work (Mental Health) £60,839.58 48 YOUNG PEOPLE Street League - Connected (Youth) £107,734.38 ? DISABILITY SUSE £44,237.26 50 PARENTS/KINSHIP The Lennox Partnership -Family £55,559.00 25 DISABILITY VIAS - Triple E (Disability & Long Term Health Conditions) tbc TBC VOCATIONAL Vocational ESOL TBC £10,000.00 16 VOCATIONAL WCS Care £14,040.00 20 REFUGEE/ASYLUM WCS ESOL £13,200.00 10 PARENTS/KINSHIP WCS YES Parents £6,300.00 24 VOCATIONAL WCS Construction TBC £34,000.00 48 MENTAL HEALTH Youth Inspired ASNND (Mental Health) £3,564.00 12 DISABILITY Youth Inspired Disability Wellbeing (Mental Health) £15,991.36 TBC CRIMINAL JUSTICE Youth Inspired Women in Justice £8,030.00 £1,045,580.54 5.4 The Invest in Renfrewshire staff team provide a range of core and specialist services to clients and each person has an individual client advisor to guide them through a range of programmes to support their individual needs. ___________________________________________________________________
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6. Employability Month 6.1 Members may recall that in September 2024 the Local Employability Partnership piloted a Renfrewshire Employability Week which ran from 2-6th September. The key aim was to raise the profile of local employability services and to promote local awareness of current and future job opportunities and skill requirements across all sections of the community. 6.2 The week was an enormous success with over 1500 people participating in 25 events over the week and offering a range of key events, conferences, information sessions, employer visits, sectoral awareness sessions and open-door workshops to anyone interested in local employment. 6.3 As such it has been decided that in 2025 September will be “Employability month” in Renfrewshire. Council and partner agencies and local businesses will organise, or be involved, in activities throughout the month that will appeal to any employability group - school pupils, young people and their parents, particular target groups, or just people of any age and from any part of the community. Some events are aimed also at those looking to change career. Activities will provide an insight into local services and opportunities, or career paths within local organisations / employers, or raise awareness of a particular job sector and the range of jobs within. 6.4 While the month of activities is not yet finalised a draft event plan is attached as Appendix 3 to this report and a final copy can be shared with members by the end of August 2025 when all plans are confirmed. Implications of the Report 1. Financial -the report provides information on Scottish Government employability funding for the current financial year and reports a full 100% claim on the previous year grant award. 2. HR & Organisational Development – employability funding supports a range of council posts and these are secured again until end March 2026. HR have been consulted / informed. 3. Community/Council Planning – • Our Renfrewshire is thriving – 528 people were supported into work last year through participating in employability services. • Reshaping our place, our economy and our future – employability plays a major role in the local economy, supporting people to get into work. • Tackling inequality, ensuring opportunities for all – NOLB specifically ensures that those most disadvantaged are not left behind. • Working together to improve outcomes – the Renfrewshire Local Employability Partnership is an excellent example of joint working amongst local partners with the aim of improving outcomes and opportunities. 4. Legal – none
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5. Property/Assets – none 6. Information Technology – none 7. Equality & Human Rights - The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report because it is for noting only. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety - none 9. Procurement – none. 10. Risk – none. 11. Privacy Impact – none 12. Children’s Rights - none 13. Cosla Policy Position – not applicable. 14. Climate Risk – not applicable. _________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers Economy and Regeneration Board, 28th May 2024, Scottish Government Employability Grant Award 24-25 Economy and Regeneration Board, 27th August 2024, Employability Update Economy and Regen Board, 20th May 2025, Scottish Government Employability Grant Award 25-26 ___________________________________________________________________ Chief Executive’s RC 23 July 2025 Author: Ruth Cooper, Economic Development Manager, ruth.cooper@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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APPENDIX 1: Renfrewshire Employability Provision – Data Report 2024 – 2025 End of Year Report In Renfrewshire across all provision 1902 people have been supported. • 473 continued to receive support from 23/24 and have been included as the carry forward into April 2024. • 1429 started as new entrants this year. The following report looks at the data for this total group of 1902 participants. Client Status on Registration: Economic Status Final Year School pupil Economically Inactive Unemployed Employed (low wage) including self employed Unknown 207 346 1170 160 19 *Please note this is an indication of the client’s declaration if they are actively seeking/ready to work and does not represent their current benefit circumstances or requirement to find work. Client out of work benefits Not in receipt of benefits 738 Legacy benefits JSA/IS/ESA 89 UC - Intensive Work Search 907 UC - No work Related Requirements 59 UC- Work Focused Interview 10 UC - Work Preparation 24 UC - Working Enough/Light touch 25 Unknown 50 *Further improvements to this benefit data collection is being implemented in 25/26 to establish a better understanding of this data ( for example reason for no benefits being categorised) 110 83 86 239 122 32 52 6 174 194 188 283 148 58 107 7 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 15-17 18-19 20-24 25-40 41-50 51-54 55-64 Over 65 Gender and Age Female Male Other Prefer not to say Transgender
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Length of time out of work Length of time out of work Less than 6 months 471 Never worked 534 6 months up to 12 months 185 Age 15-17 237 12 months up to 2 years 162 18-19 175 2 years up to 5 years 153 20-24 69 5 years or more 146 25-40 35 Never worked 534 41-50 11 N/A - currently in employment 158 51-54 3 Unknown 93 55-64 4 *Please note for 25/26 recording length of time reporting has been improved to capture a more accurate length of time out of work for those who have never worked due the high numbers and impact on reporting. Client Home Address: Ethnicity The below table is a breakdown of ethnic origin and of within these groups who does not have recourse to public funds, are asylum seeker/refuges or have indicated English is their second language. *For 25/26 starts new data will be collected, for those who indicate English as a second language, to establish if they also require ESOL support. 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank… Erskine and Inchinnan Ward Houston, Crosslee and Linwood Ward Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood… Johnstone South and Elderslie Ward Paisley East and Central Ward Paisley Northeast and Ralston Ward Paisley Northwest Ward Paisley Southeast Ward Paisley Southwest Ward Renfrew North and Braehead Ward Renfrew South and Gallowhill Ward Unknown Wards Client Ethnic Origin Total No Recourse to Public Funds English 2nd language Asylum Seeker/ Refugee African – Other 14 7 11 1 African, African Scottish, African British 13 9 9
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Health and Disability Do you have any conditions lasting or expected to last 12 months or more? Yes No Prefer not to say Unknown 721 1136 12 33 Of the 721 : below is a breakdown of age and gender for these groups (do not total multiple conditions, there will be duplication). There are 1013 instances of different types of conditions indicating the number of people with multiple complex conditions. Females – 395 Male – 583 Trans Other Prefer not to say Condition 15- 19 20- 24 25 - 50 51 and over 15-19 20- 24 25-50 51 and over 18-19 20-24 20-24 51-54 Autism Spectrum Disorder / Condition - 116 21 5 6 0 30 27 23 1 1 1 1 0 Blindness or partial sight loss - 11 0 1 1 0 3 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 Deafness or partial hearing loss - 17 1 2 0 2 1 3 5 3 0 0 0 0 Full or partial loss of voice or difficulty speaking = 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 Learning difficulty = 76 13 8 3 2 22 8 16 2 1 0 1 0 Any Other Ethnic Group 22 2 17 5 Arab, Arab Scottish, Arab British 10 1 9 4 Asian/Asian British – Bangladeshi 5 2 4 1 Asian/Asian British – Chinese 4 0 1 Asian/Asian British – Indian 19 5 15 1 Asian/Asian British - Other Asian 26 3 14 9 Asian/Asian British – Pakistani 32 5 25 1 Black, Black Scottish, Black British 2 1 1 Black/African/Caribbean/Black British – African 45 23 29 2 Black/African/Caribbean/Black British – Caribbean 1 1 1 Black/African/Caribbean/Black British - Other Black 12 7 9 1 Caribbean or Black – Other 4 2 3 Caribbean, Caribbean Scottish, Caribbean British 1 0 Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups - Other Mixed 12 1 7 Other Ethnic Group – Arab 16 3 16 10 Prefer not to say 68 2 11 9 White – English 24 0 1 White - Gypsy / Traveller / Roma 1 0 White – Irish 6 0 White - Other 138 2 107 77 White - Other British 6 0 1 White – Polish 2 0 2 White – Scottish 1417 6 5 8 White – Welsh 2 0 Grand Total 1902 82 297 130 * of the 82 NRPF recorded only 3 of them are recorded as being asylum/refugee status
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Learning disability = 58 5 4 5 0 15 11 15 3 0 0 0 0 Long-term illness, disease or condition = 82 4 6 12 10 9 11 15 14 1 0 0 0 Mental health condition= 337 41 23 77 18 26 21 104 25 1 1 0 0 Other condition = 171 13 10 34 21 28 8 35 22 0 0 0 0 Other developmental disorder = 21 3 2 4 0 1 3 7 1 0 0 0 0 Physical disability = 89 5 3 18 10 2 3 22 25 0 0 0 1 Prefer not to say = 9 1 0 1 0 3 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 Disability Of the people above reporting a condition, 519 indicated this affected their lives a little or a lot. This response is used to indicate that the condition is a disability. Disability Yes, a lot Yes, a little Total Does your condition or illness/do any of your conditions or illnesses reduce your ability to carry-out day-to-day activities? 141 379 519 Of the 519: below is a breakdown of age and gender for these groups (numbers do not total as clients have multiple conditions). There are 750 instances of different types of conditions indicating the number of people with multiple complex conditions. Disability Female Male Other P Prefer not to say Trans- gender 15- 19 20- 24 25- 50 51 and over 15- 19 20- 24 25- 50 51 and over 20-24 51-54 18-19 Autism Spectrum Disorder / Condition = 83 15 4 6 0 22 18 15 1 1 0 1 Blindness or partial sight loss = 9 0 1 1 0 1 1 4 1 0 0 0 Deafness or partial hearing loss = 15 1 2 0 2 1 3 4 2 0 0 0 Full or partial loss of voice/ difficulty speaking = 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 Learning difficulty = 57 11 7 3 2 15 3 13 2 0 0 1 Learning disability = 42 3 4 5 0 12 6 9 3 0 0 0 Long-term illness, disease or condition = 47 1 3 9 5 3 5 12 8 0 0 1 Mental health condition = 273 33 18 65 16 19 16 83 22 1 0 0 Other condition = 119 9 6 28 16 17 7 21 15 0 0 0 Other developmental disorder = 18 3 2 4 0 1 1 6 1 0 0 0 Physical disability = 80 3 2 15 9 2 3 21 24 0 1 0 Prefer not to say = 6 1 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 For those who indicated either a health condition or disability the table below outlines the total number of people reporting under each condition. Please note there are significant differences across conditions where participants are less likely/ more likely to report the condition as a disability. *In 25/26 reporting we will continue to make improvements to the way we ask these questions, including staff awareness on how this data informs statistics and the need to support clearer disclosure.
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Condition Health Condition Disability Mental health condition 337 273 Other condition 171 119 Autism Spectrum Disorder / Condition 116 83 Physical disability 89 80 Long-term illness, disease or condition 82 47 Learning difficulty 76 57 Learning disability 58 42 Unknown 25 9 Other developmental disorder 21 18 Deafness or partial hearing loss 17 15 Blindness or partial sight loss 11 9 Prefer not to say 9 6 Full or partial loss of voice or difficulty speaking 1 1 In addition to this data 105 reported to be in receipt of non means tested disability benefits (PIP/DLA/ADP). Further information on out of work means tested benefits are included in previous tables above which will also include those who are out of work due to health conditions. *Further improvements to this benefit data is being implemented in 25/26 to establish a better understanding into the possible underreporting of this and encourage disclosure. Core and Commissioned Provision: The provision accessed by participants is as follows (clients can be on a number of programmes) : 2024/25 REP - Invest Programme 1730 2024/25 REP – Employer Recruitment Incentive 3 2024/25 REP - Funded Work Placement (External) 10 2024/25 REP - Traineeship ( Internal) 45 2024/25 REP - Apex Labyrinth Programme 19 2024/25 REP - Barnardo's Step2Work Programme 58 2024/25 REP - Barnardo's Works Best Programme 38 2024/25 REP - BDA Self Employment Programme 32 2024/25 REP - GCC Invent your Future Programme 27 2024/25 REP - GTG Warehouse & Storage Programme 12 2024/25 REP - Haus of Seisay Hairdressing Academy 11 2024/25 REP - HI Hospitality & Tourism Programme 40 2024/25 REP - Impact Arts - Express Yourself 8 2024/25 REP - IWG Charity Music Programme 8 2024/25 REP - Kibble Future Ready Programme 17 2024/25 REP – Lennox Partnership Strive 2nd Chance 11 2024/25 REP – Lennox Partnership Strive Youth 10 2024/25 REP - Project Search Programme 12 2024/25 REP - REEM Thriving Families Project 10 2024/25 REP - Saltire 'English for Work' Programme 8 2024/25 REP - Street League Connect Programme 36
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2024/25 REP - The Princes Trust Get Into Programme 12 2024/25 REP - VIAS Triple E Programme 29 2024/25 REP - WCS - Construction Programme 7 2024/25 REP - WCS – YES Criminal Justice Programme 12 2024/25 REP - WCS - ESOL Employment Programme 14 2024/25 REP - WCS – YES Parents Programme 17 Qualifications Achieved From 1st April 2024 until 31st March 2025 , 680 people gained a qualification whilst participating in training and employability support. Level of Qualification Number of people Unknown 6 Non Accredited Qualification 51 SCQF Level 1-4 (Access 1,2,3,4/National 1,2,3,4/Skills for Work/Intermediate 1,/General Standard Grade - SVQ1 - ISCED Level 2) 584 SCQF Level 5 (National 5/Intermediate 2/Credit Standard Grade - SVQ2 - ISCED Level 3) 105 SCQF Level 6 (Higher - SVQ3 - ISCED Level 3) 16 SCQF Level 7 (Advanced Higher - ISCED Level 3) 1 SCQF Level 10 (Honors Degree - Professional Apprenticeship - ISCED Level 6) 1 Total Unique People 680 Positive Destination From 1st April 2024 until 31st March 2025, 1902 people were supported in their employability journey. 1474 people either completed or left the service with 678 people moved into a positive destination . 428 continued on their support programme into the following year. Of the 678 who moved into a positive destination 528 moved into new or improved employment, with the rest entering, education, training, volunteering or returning to school. (Please note that of the unique people some had more than 1 positive outcomes and so the total figures are larger than the number of unique people with positive outcomes). Positive Outcomes Returned to School Entered Volunteering Entered Employment Entered Education or Training Total Unique people Female 3 9 218 52 272 Male 6 11 306 84 398 Other 0 0 1 0 1 Prefer not to say 0 1 2 0 3 Transgender 0 1 1 2 4 Total 9 22 528 138 678 Of those supported in 24/25 around 428 were still active on caseloads and carried forward into the new financial year. Any outcomes for those clients will be reported in 2025-26 figures.
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APPENDIX 2: Examples of Client Case Studies Cynthia secures employment as a Medical Receptionist following Invest in Renfrewshire Medical Administration Programme. Cynthia worked part time in a Chinese take away answering calls and taking telephone orders for customers, but knew she wanted to do more than this whilst juggling family life and supporting her family. Cynthia registered with Invest in Renfrewshire and her advisor Agnes suggested she apply for a place on the forthcoming Medical Administration delivered in partnership by Glasgow Clyde College. Cynthia commenced the course in the Autum of 2024 and successfully completed it 12 weeks later. The Medical Administration course was classroom-based learning coupled with support from Invest in Renfrewshire Employer liaison Team to actively source and secure work experience placements. Throughout Cynthia’s work experience Therese, within the Invest in Renfrewshire Employer Liaison Team, continued to support Cynthia to ensure her CV was updated and that she was being marketed to local employers and GP surgeries. With the support from Therese, Cynthia was soon successful in securing a Medical Receptionist position in a local GP practise. Antonia start work with the Richmond Fellowship Antonia was referred to Invest though her job centre as she had been unemployed for the past 2 years. She needed support to improve her employability skills, confidence and search for employment. Antonia is a lone parent and stays with her 2 children (17yr old daughter and 19yr old son) in rented accommodation. Antonia’s daughter was diagnosed with autism and was going to start college. Her son is at university, he is also autistic, ADHD, dyslexic dysgraphia and has dyspraxia. This has all had a toll on Antonia’s health, she suffered from stress, anxiety, depression which stemmed through personal issues and had come out of an 8 year abusive relationship. Antonia was on medication and had also suffered from back pain. She had also been told she may be on the Autism spectrum and was waiting on a diagnosis. Antonia did not have much of a support network, felt isolated and her confidence had taken a major dip. Antonia was offered a wide range of support from the Invest in Renfrewshire team including a benefits check and better off in work calculation, wellbeing advisor support, access to RAMH services for wellbeing and mental health support, in-house employability skills sessions including CV writing, interview skills and job search and financial support for work. With help and guidance she successfully secured a full-time Support Practitioner role at the Richmond Fellowship. Her Advisor said “Sustaining employment has had a significant impact on Antonia and her family financially. It has also had a significant impact on her wellbeing, confidence, and sense of achievement. Antonia feels increasingly empowered and has the tools needed to deal with the challenges associated with starting employment. She is developing a growth mind set where she views new challenges as an opportunity for development. She is also more connected and equipped with network and knows where to ask for help and support where she needs it. Antonia feels more connected at work and has met good colleagues which is reducing her isolation.”
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Kevin secures work with George Leslie Ltd Kevin initially registered with Invest in Renfrewshire as he was seeking to move from his current part time role in retail to a full-time role within the Construction Industry which aligned with his HNC in Construction Management qualification. Kevin did not have related work experience so the Invest in Renfrewshire Team arranged a short work experience placement on site with the Kier Group at the Paisley Museum Development and to attend an employer Information Session by George Leslie Ltd held at The Russell Institute. Kevin spoke to the employer about future work and it was then agreed an interview would be set up for Kevin to attend George Leslie Ltd. Kevin was delighted to learn he was successful at interview and started employment soon after with them. George Leslie’s Project Manager Michael said - Kevin has shown enthusiasm and professionalism from the start and has developed at a steady pace showing his ability to conduct good quality work consistently. He is continuing to pick up more skills and experience, whilst taking up more responsibility in tandem with this. Kevin is an asset to the team. Kevin told us – “I really enjoy working as an engineer with the George Leslie team across various projects. Every day is different & there’s always a new something new to learn. Since starting with George Leslie, I have been able to develop myself with the support of my team & through further training. I first approached invest in Renfrewshire, looking to gain work experience & support in gaining employment in construction. Through invests links with local employers. I was able to gain work experience in construction. leading on from my work experience & with further support & advice from invest. I was able to secure employment with George Leslie. I would not hesitate to recommend others to contact Invest in Renfrewshire if you are looking for help to secure employment”.
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APPENDIX 3: Renfrewshire Employability Month Calander (correct at 24/7/25 – other events still being added) MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY W EEK 1 1st Breakfast Event: Green & Digital Jobs- Tech & Data Careers. LA/WCS/Employers/DWP Russell Institute Networking breakfast for employers and jobseekers focusing on growth sectors such as green energy and digital technology. Primary Schools Poster Competition Launched- ‘when I grow up I want to be’ 2nd My Future Pathways - Enterprise/Industry awareness 1-3pm 30 pupils to Start up Street Paisley 3rd The benefits of Volunteering Adult & Youth Sessions Engage/One Ren /Invest Why volunteering should be for you. Russell Institute 10-12 tbc 4th Hold -Malcolms Logistics event open to all target groups with school pupils first and other sessions to follow tbc 5th Mini Recruitment Event – Invest/DWP Construction, Retail, Hospitality Russell Institute - 9:30-12 Include Morrisons Construction. W EEK 2 8th Poss CLD event - Foxbar community centre Invest Renfrewshire Schools Assembly Paisley Grammar 2pm 5th year students 9th Armed Forces Recruitment & Information Fair Armed Forces/DWP/Invest Explore careers in the military and civilian support roles for veterans and families. Russell Institute 10am – 11.30am Scottish Leather group Industry awareness site visit 2 schools: 10th Community Recruitment Event – Jobs Fair, Johnstone –Invest/DWP Station 7 time tbc Scottish Leather group Industry awareness site visit – 1 schools: 11th Hold -Malcolms Logistics event open to all target groups with school pupils first and other sessions to follow tbc 12th Fairer Renfrewshire Panel How are we doing? Measure our services using our lived experience panel- Continuous Improvement – Invest/DWP/SDS Russell Institute 10-1
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APPENDIX 3: Renfrewshire Employability Month Calander (correct at 24/7/25 – other events still being added) School 1- 9:30am- 11:30am School 2 – 1pm- 3pm School 1- 9:30am- 11:30am W EEK 3 15th STEM fortnight week 1 STEM Employer visit Thermal Fisher Poss CLD event , Foxbar Community centre St Marys Primary School- MyWoW Live 16th LEP Conference 9:00-13:00 tbc Paisley Town Hall Breakfast Event: Family Friendly Workplaces & Tackling Child Poverty. Panel with employers from public, private and third sectors showcasing best practice in flexible and inclusive working. Invest in Renfrewshire STEM employer visit Thermal Fisher 4x ½ day sessions. 30 pupils per session. S1/S2 target groups 17th UWS/WCS SKILLS EVENT 10:00-13:30 UWS Paisley Campus Engineering/AI/Business mang pathways . All target groups and local employers Transport required for target schools. Scottish Leather group Industry awareness site visit – 2 schools : School 1- 9:30am- 11:30am School 2- 1pm- 3pm St Fergus PS – MyWoW Live 18th Get Started event for School Leavers SDS/Schools/ Explore Opportunities for School Leavers- Market Place tbc Scottish Leather group Industry awareness site visit – 2 Schools: School 1 – 9.30am – 11.30am School 2 – 1pm – 3pm Careers with Purpose (to be moved ) Workshop. Explore roles in third sector and community work. Invest/Engage Russell Institute Explore Self-Employment with Start-Up Street Renfrew Start Up Street. Renfrew Morning slots: 9am – 11am Afternoon slots: 3pm – 5pm Eventbrite booking 19th Possible employers event re apprenticeship/upskilling current staff UWS/WCS/RC Possibly online event
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APPENDIX 3: Renfrewshire Employability Month Calander (correct at 24/7/25 – other events still being added) Highlighted events either fully or partially target school pupils W EEK 4 22nd STEM fortnight week 2 Breakfast Event: Health & Social Care; Challenges & Opportunities- Care Providers/HSCP Session with employers from Health & Social Care exploring workforce needs. Venue tbc St Peter’s PS- MyWoW Live STEM employer visit Altrad Babcock 2 x 2 hour sessions (60-80 places) S1-S4 target group. Lab work/eng focus 23rd Public Sector Event 9:20-12:30 Paisley Town Hall First 1.5hrs school pupils 150+ pupils plus other target groups after 24th Introduction to AMIDS – Influencers event opportunity for teachers, college and university lecturers, careers advisors and public sector practitioners to learn all about AMIDS. 3:45-5:45pm @ AMIDS Pathways into Creative Industries in Renfrewshire – UWS, WCS, CI’s Opportunities in Creative Industries In Renfrewshire St Charles PS – MyWoW Live 25th Reverse Jobs Fair/ Employers/Clients/DWP/Invest Explore Vacancies/Reverse Jobs Fair Russell Full day room hold 26th Bank Holiday St James Primary School – MyWoW Live