Kids will take on jobs with Angus Council in an attempt to remove hurdles from entering the workplace.
Around 50 children will be countryside rangers, payroll assistants, and leisure attendants on the way to an “employer endorsement”.
A common reason for young people finding difficulty getting work is a lack of references, which the council will allay with endorsements from mentors in the programme, entitled Angus Works.
The council will employ the youngsters as “an important and valuable part of the workforce” for 22 weeks.
The local authority’s children and learning committee convener, Councillor Sheena Welsh, said: “The development of meaningful and sustainable education and employer partnerships have been a priority of Angus Council for a long time.
“We have lots of talented and hardworking young people across Angus.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn valuable skills within the work environment and I’m delighted to see them getting started.”
Strategic director for communities Margo Williamson said: “Our ambition to support and engage young people in public service is happening.
“Throughout the 22 weeks, our young people will have the opportunity to see the range of jobs in the council and experience what working life is like.
“Staff have shown tremendous commitment by inviting our young people in and are determined they have a worthwhile experience.
“I am very grateful to our staff and I look forward to meeting the first cohort of Angus Works students.”
All young people who complete the programme will gain recognition in the form of an “employer endorsement” outlining tasks undertaken, experience gained and personal attributes and traits shown by the pupils.
The council stated: “Signed by their mentor, this provides the young people with an extremely creditable reference that can be used by them in future job, college or university applications.
“The Angus Works programme forms part of Angus Council’s youth employment policy, which supports the council’s commitment to ‘developing the young workforce’ and will become an annual commitment across the organisation.”
