Dundee based employment and training charity Craigowl Communities, part of the Hillcrest Group, is re-launching two of its popular jobs training programmes later this month with a view to getting young people into quality jobs with some of the city’s top employers.

The Hospitality Academy, a joint venture with Malmaison Dundee, and the Care Apprenticeship programme are both restarting at the end of March and will offer unemployed Dundee residents comprehensive training to begin rewarding careers in the hospitality or care industries.

Stevyn Wilkinson, who was part of the first intake of Care Apprentices and now works full time for the care and support company Gowrie Care, said: “When I was applying for jobs in the care sector I was told that I did not have the right experience or the right qualifications.

“As soon as I saw the advert for the Care Apprenticeship programme on Facebook I jumped straight on it and went from there.

“The Care Apprentice was a good opportunity but it was an even better experience.”

Craigowl Communities works with hundreds of young people each year, providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to start careers with good employers.

Despite the continued promise of more jobs becoming available in Dundee, Craigowl’s employer engagement manager, Karen Smith, is acutely aware of the lack of quality employment opportunities available.

Karen Smith said: “As work on Dundee’s Waterfront continues and the promise of new jobs grows, Craigowl is mindful of the reality of the current employment climate and what this means for young unemployed people.

“Craigowl Communities’ employment teams work hard to create viable training and employment opportunities for people across Dundee.”

Craigowl has just completed an extensive pop up roadshow tour of Dundee during which the team visited community centres, libraries and other social hubs in some of the city’s areas most affected by unemployment.

Karen Smith added: “We advertise most of our opportunities online through our Facebook page and on our partner organisations’ websites but we understand that this is not the best way to reach everyone.

“The roadshows were designed cut out the middle man by bringing our advice and expertise directly to people in Dundee who need it most.”

Craigowl’s Care Apprenticeship Programme, delivered in partnership with Gowrie Care and Dundee College, is recruiting now with the induction taking place at Hillcrest HQ on Tuesday 22nd March 2016. This programme is designed for people who are 18-24 years of age.

Craigowl is also recruiting now for unemployed people to join their Hospitality Academy, delivered in partnership with Positive Qualities Ltd and Malmaison Dundee, which begins on Monday 21st March 2016.

For further details and to register your interest please contact Jacqueline Gray at Craigowl Communities by calling 01382 315700 or email jacquelinegray@craigowl.com.