OREANDA-NEWS. October 18, 2012. Nine new recruits have started work at Perth based energy company, SSE, as part of its Skills Experience Programme – a programme in partnership with the children’s charity Barnardo’s Scotland to help secure work placements and training for unemployed young people.

The new employees, from Perth and the surrounding area, will get hands on experience and learn valuable industry skills as part of a six month paid work placement in areas right across the business, including customer service, power distribution and training and development.

SSE’s Skills Experience Programme is part of its long-standing partnership with Barnardo’s Works – one of the charity’s Works services which helps young people aged 16 to 24 gain employment. Under the SSE scheme, 15 trainees are recruited twice a year – in October and April – for a period of six months where they will be given training, mentoring and support as well as receive practical work experience. This October’s intake sees nine joining SSE in Perth, five in Inverness and one in Glasgow.

Over 100 unemployed and disadvantaged young people have already benefited through the partnership with Barnardo’s Works which began in 2008, and has resulted in candidates either gaining permanent positions with the company or helped them secure work in the wider jobs market.

Susan Duncan, SSE Barnardo’s Works Programme Manager, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the new recruits to SSE. Our scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for young people struggling to find employment and gain first hand experience working in a busy professional environment.

“We’ll also be guiding the trainees throughout their entire time with us by providing a mentor who will give additional support where needed as well as regular reviews of their performance. We are already impressed with their enthusiasm and hope that they’ll find the experience beneficial and gain the skills and confidence they need for work in the future, whether with SSE or elsewhere.”

Tommy Mcdade, Employment Services Manager at Barnardo’s Works, added: “The current tough economic climate is only adding to the difficulties for young people to find jobs so our partnership with SSE really does provide a fantastic entry to the world of work.

“Despite the recession, Barnardo’s Works has continued to grow and work with employers in a range of industry sectors meeting their needs whilst giving young people, particularly those who are furthest away from the jobs market, access to employment opportunities. The service has already helped 200 young people across Scotland find work.”

New SSE trainee Gary McAulay, age 21, from Perth, is looking forward to gaining experience with the company in a Customer Service position. He said: “I’ve struggled to find work so I can’t wait to get stuck into a new role, especially in a large company such as SSE.

“Although the placement has just started I’ve already received lots of information on the business, attending the company induction programme and receiving health and safety training. I’m really enjoying it so far and like the fact that I’m meeting a whole host of new people too.”