Tapping into Glasgow’s talent
Published by Simon Gwynn on Sat 09 Jun 12 @ 22:10
In 2010 Glasgow City Council launched the Commonwealth Jobs Fund, which is aimed at creating 1000 jobs for young unemployed people across the city.
It offers financial support to smaller employers who recruit young people whose opportunities have been limited by the economic downturn. It allows smaller employers to continue to grow their business and expand their teams by reimbursing a percentage of the young person's salary for 12 months. **
In March this year the Chamber of Commerce appointed Simon Gwynn to the role of Events and Online Co-ordinator. Part funded by the Commonwealth Jobs Fund, the role was a first in for the Chamber and Richard Muir, Commercial Director was keen to link into the initiative.
"Once we spoke to the team at Glasgow Works we could immediately see the benefits to us as an organisation. In the past we had similar roles but always on a part time basis, we recognised that this was an area of the business which we needed to develop and so the timing was perfect for us."
The team at Glasgow Works supported the recruitment, assisting with the development of the job description, taking care of all the marketing and short listing of the CVs. The role attracted a number of high quality applications and Simon, a Maths and Theatre Studies graduate from Glasgow University, stood out from the crowd. Simon had held down a number of short term posts since leaving University and was keen to find a role in which he could develop. Speaking about his appointment, Simon said
"I appreciate that this role has given me the chance to learn some new skills, including the use of various types of software, and get some solid and relevant work experience on my CV. I never expected to work in business services or economic development but I have found the work of the Chamber really interesting and have learnt a phenomenal amount in the last two months."
If you are interested in hearing more about the Commonwealth Jobs Fund and how it can help your business to grow contact Elaine Burgess 0141 204 8356 or Jim Mirren 0141 204 8318.
** Conditions
The employing organisation - must be within Glasgow City Councils boundary, have less than 250 employees.
The job vacancy - must pay at least £7.15 per hour, be a new post, be between 30-35 hours per week and be a permanent post
The young person - must live within Glasgow City Councils boundary, have been in receipt of job seekers allowance for six months or more and be aged between 18-24.
