SL 33
Skills and Learning East Ayrshire comes to Galston & The Valley
I first visited this facility in Kilmarnock many years ago and I am delighted that we now have our own extension of SL 33 in Galston, at Galston Town Hall.

The opening of SL 33 in Kilmarnock was in response to an identified need in the East Ayrshire community. The East Ayrshire team (led by Margorie Harvie) worked with senior school leaders, pupil support staff, employers, a range of council services, and local training providers. Together they identified the various barriers experienced in entering the workplace. SL 33 focuses on improving essential work skills for young people; both those still in school and those unemployed. This includes workplace learning activities, communication skills, creativity, innovation, enterprise, and
teamwork.

Through working with local employers, the team has developed meaningful interactions with our young people through ‘work tasters’, work placements, mentoring and meet the employer sessions. A critical part of this is working with local businesses to ensure that we are doing absolutely everything we can to get our young people ready for the world of work and supporting people of ALL ages to get back into work.

The Parental Employability Support Fund is an integral part of the Skills and Learning offer; supporting parents to overcome barriers to employment, build confidence and develop skills. Through tailored employability support and access to fully funded accredited training, parents can access new opportunities and ultimately increase household income. It is clear that for many people, the barriers to entering the workplace are complex and varied and that simply finding a job opportunity is not always enough. Work coaches can help to address this and provide ongoing support for employees and employers.

The SL 33 concept is the first of its kind not just in Scotland, but in the whole of the UK. It is now seen as setting a new innovative standard which other local authorities in Scotland hope to emulate.
In May, Cllr Kevin McGregor and I were delighted to attend an introductory session to meet members of staff plus a group of young people who are benefitting from SL 33.

And now, I am asking you for help!
Please help in spreading the word to potential beneficiaries, by this I mean individuals who could benefit from being part of SL 33 and also toemployers – big and small. If you are an employer who could assist with a work taster, a work placement, mentoring, or interview practice – please contact me. Similarly, if you are an individual who may benefit, or you know someone or who could benefit, please contact me.

Cllr Sally Cogley
The Rubbish Party
Ward 6 Irvine Valley
07896915616