THE incredible achievements of trainees, volunteers, modern apprentices and people gaining skills, confidence and work experience have been highlighted at the North Ayrshire Council Employability Awards.
More than 120 nominations were made for awards, with the ceremony taking place at Saltcoats Town Hall on Friday, November 15.
The event turned the spotlight on those who have been gaining skills, confidence and experience to prepare to progress to the world of work.
The awards – taking place for the second year - were arranged by the council’s employability service’s Your Next Move, Working North Ayrshire programme.
Outstanding Team Member - Hev Clift
At Booth Welsh engineering services, Irvine, Hev has made significant contributions to sustainability, inclusivity, and data-driven initiatives.
Hev leads and supports the Net Zero Heroes group, which collects emissions data to help map the firm’s carbon footprint. Improving inclusivity – including understanding of neurodiversity – has also been a big part of their work life.
Outstanding Effort - Scott McCrone
Scott registered with We Work for Families in April as a lone parent following the sad passing of his partner. He previously studied to become a plumber but was interested in working in admin.
He was supported to complete online courses including Dealing with Stress and Anxiety in the Workplace and a Level 3 Admin, PA and Secretarial Diploma. Through the council’s Skills for Life programme, he secured a 20-hours per week work placement with Taylor & Henderson solicitors and estate agents, in Saltcoats, as an administration assistant and is thriving.
Placement Champion - Jenna Greenhills
Inspirational mum Jenna’s “determination, resilience, and commitment” earned her the nomination.
Transport and childcare were barriers to her finding work and through We Work For Families, she completed a Skills for Life (SFL) Classroom Assistant programme.
Following a 26-week paid placement at Dalry Primary School, she secured a full-time position as a pupil support assistant. There were setbacks along the way, but she is flourishing.
Employer Recognition - Taylor & Henderson
The firm has been a great supporter of the council’s Parental Employment Programmes over the past year, offering parents placements and helping them develop skills. The team has also supported youth employability, and is currently training one candidate to be a paralegal.
Volunteer of the Year - Louisa Findlay
Her “exceptional dedication, teamwork and consistent contributions” at Café Solace - a series of community cafés in Irvine and the Garnock Valley delivered by people in recovery – earned her the nomination.
Louisa, who cares for her daughter, was interested helping people with addictions. Her We Work For Families coordinator supported her to volunteer, and she later secured a part-time, paid role at the recovery café.
Erin started with the council’s Equal programme - a supported employment service that guides people with long-term health conditions and disabilities into work and training – in summer 2023. Due to health issues, she gave up her childcare job.
The team supported her into a Modern Apprenticeship within the council’s HR Resourcing department. After completing the MA in July this year, she gained a permanent position as a customer support administrator within the Governance team.
Achiever of the Year - Tetiana Druzenko
Qualified music teacher and child psychologist Tetiana, from Ukraine, lives in North Ayrshire with her two children and struggled to find work before registering with We Work For Families.
Through Skills For Life, she secured a 26-week paid placement as a classroom assistant at Winton Primary School, Ardrossan. She now works as an Early Years support assistant at Springvale Early Years.
She was nominated for “her outstanding perseverance and dedication in overcoming significant personal and professional challenges”.
Young Achiever of the Year - Jack Townsley
Jack,16, lost his dad at a young age and struggled at school. He set up his own garden maintenance scheme for friends and family, so when an opening for the Modern Apprenticeship in Horticulture was advertised he was supported to apply.
He earned an MA with the council’s Streetscene team in Ardrossan has been described as “very enthusiastic and capable".
“Congratulations to everyone who was selected as a finalist. I look forward to finding out more about your achievements in future.”
Provost Dickson added: “Our employability service works very hard to ensure that people across North Ayrshire are given the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
“So, congratulations to the team, firstly for the tireless efforts they make to support people into work and training – and, secondly, for staging another successful awards ceremony.”
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