Posted January 22, 2014

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust launched the 8-week programme for 16-24 year olds, in partnership with Cowdenbeath Football Club, BRAG and Jobcentre Plus, with funding from the DWP.
 

Eight of the 13 young people who took part found jobs: They are: Jennifer Bonner – Specsavers, Dunfermline, Aaron Payne – Regenesis, Glenrothes, Aaron Robertson, Jason Bristow and Margaret Jamieson – Amazon, Aaron St Pierre – River Island, Dunfermline, Stephen Stark – Sports Direct, Dunfermline, and Amy Stewart – Perfect Pooches, Lochgelly
 

The five who are still looking, Scott Rafferty, Lewis Fernie, Liam Dow, James Inglis and Stuart Paton, all received their graduation certificates from Liam Catling of Gym 64.

Lesley McIlroy, who taught the course members employment skills including interview techniques, and CV writing said, “I am delighted that so many of those who took part found jobs and we are still hopeful that the other five will find something soon”.
 

Tom Ewing Director of Cowdenbeath FC said, “We are proud to be associated with this initiative which reinforces the club’s position at the heart of the local community.

“Getting your foot on the first rung of the ladder is often the most difficult step of all, so we are really pleased that so many course members are now in work”.

Liam Catling, who runs Gym 64, Fife’s only 24 hour gym and who did much of the sports training said, “The mix of desk bound learning for employment skills and the chance to try new sports first hand, seems to have a very strong appeal, certainly for this group of youngsters.

“The high percentage in work proves that it is a really effective approach”.

Tom McAughtrie, Trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust said, “This is our first venture in Fife, with Sport Works, and it's a real delight to see that it has been such a success.“

We are now rolling the programme out to Methil, where we will work with East Fife FC and Glenrothes where we will Partner Glenrothes Strollers FC”.

 

Article and Image Source - The Courier