A YOUTH employability hub in Stevenston is helping young people to shape their own futures with expert guidance and support.

The team at the Hub, based in the town's library, is encouraging young people to consider getting into the workplace, onto a college course or to start an apprenticeship.

The Hub offers:

  • Personalised guidance from experienced advisers
  • Workshops on how to write a CV, improve communication skills and prepare for an interview
  • Connections to employers, colleges and apprenticeship providers and
  • Support at every stage of the journey.

It is open every Tuesday from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, and on Fridays between 9am and 1pm and 2pm and 4pm in Stevenston Library, in Main Street.

You must be aged between 16 and 24, and be claiming benefits, to get help from the Hub’s advisers. You can simply drop in during opening hours and don’t need an appointment.

The project is supported by North Ayrshire Local Employability Partnership (LEP), which is made up of a range of partners who use their combined resources to help reduce unemployment and increase employment across North Ayrshire.

North Ayrshire has the highest level of youth unemployment in Scotland, and the Partnership, which includes North Ayrshire Council (NAC), is supporting hundreds of unemployed young people to make positive life changes and progress to employment.

The hub is run by CEIS Ayrshire, who are delivery partners of the Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire programme – which is part of the council’s employability service.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy at NAC, explained: “The Hub offers a great opportunity for young people to find out more about the interesting opportunities available in North Ayrshire, and how they can access them.

“If you are claiming benefits and are in the 16 to 24 age group, then please head along to the library, speak to an adviser and find out which jobs, college courses and apprenticeships are out there for you.”