Discover Work Partnership’s Manufacturing Academy a great success!

The training academy, delivered over a 6-week period in conjunction with GA Engineering, supports unemployed people in the region to gain the essential practical skills required to work within a manufacturing environment. Participants also receive important personal development support in areas such as digital skills, CV guidance, interview preparation and financial advice.

The success of the academy is two-fold. It helps ensure that every individual, regardless of their age or current circumstances, is offered the opportunity to boost their employability through the acquirement of key skills. The local business community also benefits from the establishment of a work-ready talent pipeline that enables organisations to build their teams in-line with their individual growth plans.

Caryn Gibson, Economic Partnerships Manager at Dundee and Angus College, said: “We have been delighted to join forces with our Discover Work partners and the team at GA Engineering to create this immersive manufacturing skills academy. There are currently huge unemployment and inactivity numbers across the city coupled with ambitious businesses who are struggling to recruit a skilled workforce. This academy offers a creative solution to both challenges.

“The Manufacturing Academy is an example of the incredible things that can be achieved through collaborative partnership working between the education sector, government and industry.”

Participant, Chris Lawson, said: “I’ve found the course very helpful – I have gained a lot of confidence and a better mindset. I now feel more confident applying for jobs and believe the skills I’ve gained will make it easier to find employment.”

Mark Flynn convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee said: “In the last 12 months the Discover Work Partnership, Dundee’s Local Employability Partnership, has put a considerable amount of effort into helping people of all ages and levels get into work for the first time, change careers or get back into the jobs market.

“The range of employers they are engaged with has been impressive and we welcome any others interested in working with us to get in touch with the team.”

Every person who has completed the Manufacturing Academy is guaranteed a job interview with GA Engineering.

Note on Discover Work Partnership: The Discover Work Partnership is Dundee’s Local Employability Partnership. It is a multi-agency approach with shared objectives, the alignment of efforts and the commitment of resources relating to employability. To date, the Discover Work Partnership has been formed by members including Skills Development Scotland, Dundee and Angus College, Department for Work and Pensions, Dundee City Council, Third Sector Interface, Developing the Young Workforce, Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS Tayside and Fair Start Scotland. We aim to make improvements in the labour market that meet employer demand and in doing so, increase the level of employment in the city, reduce the level of benefit claimants, improve productivity and take steps to address in-work poverty.