A successful scheme to get parents back into work is set to launch a new programme aimed at helping them find jobs in hospitality.
East Lothian Council's Parental Employability Support Fund (PESF) gives paid work experience to parents.
And almost all of those who have taken part so far have found employment, training or other opportunities in their communities.
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Now after three cycles of work experience based in school settings the council is set to launch a fourth training initiative in the hospitality trade.
Run through the council's employability service East Lothian Works the PESF initiatives provide six month placements for local residents who want to boost their CV, get back into work or undertake a career change.
The placements are available for lone parents, disabled parents or parents with a disabled child, parents of three or more children, parents from an ethnic minority, those with a child under the age of one and parents who are under 25 years old.
Placements offer full time, part time and flexible hours.
Alongside employment, East Lothian Works team also support the individual with any challenges they may have when trying to accessing work (for example, literacy or numeracy skills, CV writing and interview skills preparation, or understanding the impacts on any benefits).
Two groups have previously completed six month placements with a third group’s placements ongoing.
The first group of 17 parents saw 16 moving onto positive destinations with with three securing permanent jobs, three finding temporary work and one a seasonal role while another four secured supply work.
A further two are applying for posts while two are undertaking volunteer roles and one has moved on to university.
A council spokesperson said: “Our paid work experience programmes offer people who would otherwise face challenges accessing employment the opportunity to have a supportive and supported environment to enter or return to the workplace, or secure employment in a new industry.
"Employers benefit from motivated and enthusiastic recruits who are eager to learn and present no cost to the business as well as support from our East Lothian Works team.
"The outcomes from the early groups shows the strength of the programmes for those involved lasting far beyond the initial month placement period.”
East Lothian Works is currently advertising the fourth round of paid work experience placements for parents which will be based in the hospitality sector including housekeeping, bar and restaurant roles, reception and work in kitchen and food preparation.
And they have offered all care at home providers on the council’s framework the opportunity to take part in the paid work experience programmes which also include their Next Steps Paid Work Experience which offers similar experiences for anyone referred to the service for support.
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