The new nine month pilot project will create a work based learning programme for unemployed and disengaged young people in Gorbals and East Pollokshields. The project will seek work placements for young people and the average placement is 16 weeks for 35 hours per week in one business.

The local initiative is supported by a grant of £20,000 from Glasgow City Council’s Integrated Grant Fund to support Community Planning priorities on the southside of Glasgow.

Bailie Norman MacLeod said: “Supporting young people into employment is a City wide priority, but it is really important that we work with local anchor organisations like housing associations to deliver our priorities. We are pleased to be able to provide some of the funding for this project but I welcome also the financial commitment from the individual housing associations.”

Both housing associations have each allocated £15,000 towards the project.

Iain Dyer, management committee member of Southside Housing Association, said: “The Association is delighted to be part of this local initiative to help young people. Alongside our good friends at New Gorbals Housing Association, we have a good track record at going beyond simply bricks and mortar.”

WorkingRite is a Scottish youth employment charity that recruits local businesses and links them to young people needing a start in employment.

Founder Sandy Campbell added: “I’m delighted with the progress of the project. Since it started in January 2018, 6 young people have begun their journey to employment: two are currently on their placement, another is about to start their placement, one person is waiting for a placement and one individual continues to receive support, and finally one individual has progressed to an apprenticeship.”

Recruitment for the second intake is currently taking place with a third intake planned for early summer. All going well the partners hope to see the project expand.