Get Ready for Work is a national programme run in this area by Scottish Enterprise Borders.  It is aimed at young people aged 16+ living in the Scottish Borders who, at this point, are not job ready.  The scheme gives them the chance to work in a real workplace and the employer a potential new employee.

Who are We?

Scottish Borders Council's Vocational Training Team are contracted to find and monitor work placements and look after the interests of young people who have been referred to us from Careers Scotland.

How long does it last?

A placement with your business/organisation is for a period of six months, although in some cases this can be extended with agreement from all parties concerned.

What does it cost?

There is no cost to the employer.  A training allowance is paid to the young person by us and protective clothing supplied where required.

What hours is the young person expected to undertake?

The young person is required to work 25 1/2 to 40 hours a week. The actual hours the young person is to undertake can be negotiated between yourself and the young person as long as the stay between the guidelines.  

What do you expect of us?

We ask that the young person on the Get Ready for Work scheme, placed with you, is working in a safe environment, is treated fairly and has the opportunity to learn new skills.

What else is involved?

Once you have agreed to take on a young person under this scheme, we are obliged to carry out a Health & Safety check and to see that you have the required insurance. We will also complete a Training Contract with yourselves and one trainee.The only other thing is that, along with the trainee, you complete the weekly timesheets and submit them to us in the pre-paid envelopes.We will visit on a regular basis to support the trainee and yourselves.

What happens at the end?

When a trainee finishes the training period some are taken into employment where they were placed, some go on to other jobs and others may take up a college place to gain qualifications or move on to the Skillseekers programme.

For Further information contact

Neil Gunn or Ian Horsburgh
The Vocational Training Team
Local Education Office
Langlee Complex
Marigold Drive
Galashiels
TD1 2LP
01896 755 110