Business Workshop/Council Meeting

The Employability Workshop report - 25.08.15  
MARJORY FREW – Head of Employability Fife College (from notes taken by the two summarisers, and from Robert`s questionnaire - with thanks) 

The College programme running for 8 years, tends to attract students who have not been great achievers and with preference for manual tasks. However, they still have something to offer employers. For some, unemployment has become a way of life and they suffer almost total loss of confidence. The larger Employers (e.g. Tesco and Morrisons) participate in the course, but offer mundane careers for the students who often prefer smaller employers and more variety of career.  Marjory indicated that the students would be encouraged by Rotarians taking an interest in them and perhaps helping with a mock interview for shadow work. There are about 15 students per course, running four times per year. The students are screened to ensure adequate motivation, and would not be sent if unable to fulfil the shadow job. The students receive an allowance of approximately £55 / week through Skills Development Scotland, which is more than the dole. Transport to their work place may be a problem. However, amongst those students who complete the course, 85% achieve employment. The shadow work also provides a very valuable first reference.

The interactive discussions showed that the members were interested in the project. There are also adults who are long term unemployed and younger school leavers who might derive benefit from Rotary collaboration. Leadership training and charity volunteer work could build confidence for all groups. However, many felt that a pre-requisite for Rotary would be for Fife College to define their priority areas for help in the programme.