VOLUNTEER’S WEEK 2014 ANNOUNCED BY FIRST MINISTER
Written by author on June 4, 2014
First Minister Alex Salmond has marked Volunteer’s Week 2014 by working with young people involved in Scotland’s Best programme.
The First Minister took part in a training session at the Volunteer Scotland offices, providing advice to young people who are currently applying and searching for jobs. The First Minister also announced that applications are now open for 50 young people, who are part of Scotland’s Best programme, to have the chance to volunteer in posts at this year’s Ryder Cup.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Volunteer’s Week is an ideal time to highlight the hard work that millions of Scots put into helping the lives of others. Whether it is caring for elderly neighbours or cleaning a local park, volunteers are vital to the success of Scotland and often play a major part in building the confidence of those who feel marginalised in our society, helping them realise their potential, develop their talents and skills to go on to lead healthy, fulfilled lives.
“Scotland’s Best will see 1,000 unemployed young people up and down the country given the chance to gain valuable skills, experience and qualifications as part of the Legacy from the Commonwealth Games. “We set ourselves a target of helping 1,000 young people in two years, but just one year on latest figures have shown that 600 people are already involved with Scotland’s Best. “The Scottish Government is working hard to get our young people into work and initiatives such as this will help them gain the valuable skills that employers want to see. “Sir Ian Wood has spent the last 18 months looking at how Scotland’s system of vocational education could be very significantly enhanced and seeks a 40 per cent reduction in youth unemployment by 2020.
The success of Scotland’s Best shows just how valuable it is to have a range of opportunities for our young people to help each and every one of them fulfil their potential. “Not only will these young Scots get the chance to volunteer in some globally-prominent sporting and cultural events, they will be making active progress on their own futures by undergoing training that will help them get, stay or progress in education or employment.” The First Minister added: “I’m delighted that applications are now open for 50 young people to volunteer at the Ryder Cup.
Those chosen to take part will gain experience of roles at the very heart of the Ryder Cup, assisting the Marshalls both on the course and at grandstands on some of the key holes.” Skills Development Scotland (SDS) deliver the Scotland’s Best programme and young people have already had the opportunity to volunteer at St Mirren Football Club’s academy for children while 11 young people who volunteered with the construction company FES were able to secure employment with the company. Danny Logue, Operations Director at SDS said: “Scotland’s Best is a great way to combine training and volunteering to help young people get the skills and experience they need for the workplace. “We are delighted to be offering 50 young people the opportunity to volunteer at the Ryder Cup through Scotland’s Best.
Not only will they have the opportunity to be involved in a world-renowned sporting event but they will gain experience that will help them progress in their career.” George Thomson, Chief Executive, Volunteer Scotland said: “Volunteers’ Week is all about recognising the valuable contribution made by volunteers to their local communities. We are delighted to welcome the First Minister here today to meet with some of the young volunteers who are inspiring us about the future of volunteering in Scotland.
This year will see a volunteer legacy for the Commonwealth Games unlike any other. It is wonderful to see the benefits of volunteering in such a tangible way.” Antonia Beggs, Operations Director for The 2014 Ryder Cup, said: “Volunteering at The 2014 Ryder Cup will be very special and our volunteers will go a long way to setting the tone for what is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. It’s a chance to be a part of history and to welcome the world to Scotland. Those involved will also benefit from learning new skills and experiencing something genuinely unique.”
