The young people are undertaking a customer service training skills course thanks to FARE Scotland. One of the charity’s aims is to increase employment opportunities, and they saw Link as a perfect fit to give young people practical experience and insight into the world of customer service.

During the visit to Link’s Watling House office in Falkirk on Wednesday, June 7, the young people met members of the Customer Service Centre team, learnt what a housing association is, what Link does, and why customer service plays such an important role.

Sarah Smith, Link Group’s director of communities, said: “We are delighted to work with FARE Scotland to help young people learn the benefits of excellent customer service, which I hope will give them some of the skills they need to succeed in the world of work.

“People are at the heart of what we do and so excellent customer service is vital to the success of our business. In many cases, our Customer Service Centre is our customers’ first point of contact, so making a good impression and providing a helping hand is important in maintaining excellent relationships.

“I very much hope the young people who visited us saw the benefits of a career in customer service and housing and will be able to use the knowledge they have gained in their studies. I would like to thank FARE Scotland for their contribution to this visit. I wish the young people who visited us all the very best for their futures.”

FARE Scotland employability keyworker Nicola Gray said: “We were delighted to be able to take our trainees into a real-life working environment so our YP could get the chance to see and experience what this type of customer service role involves.

“Being able to give them the opportunity to learn about as many different job opportunities within this industry is so valuable, as most of our trainees have never worked before and don’t have a true understanding or idea of the benefits and challenges of the customer service working environment. It has also helped them to think more thoroughly about, and decide if, this type of role is something they would enjoy.

“The trainees were able to interact and ask questions with different members of staff, which had the benefit of not only increasing their knowledge, but also their confidence and communication skills as well. Thank you again to Lynsey, Jo, Simon, David and the rest of the team for making us feel so welcome and for helping to make the day a success.”