Access to Manufacturing in Partnership with Chivas Brothers

Congratulations to our clients who have recently completed our latest Access to Manufacturing course in partnership with Chivas. Over 3 weeks they have achieved a range of accredited qualifications and skills for the manufacturing industry, including IOSH Working Safely, COSHH, Manual Handling, Vehicle Banksman, First Aid at Work, Diversity in the Workplace, Customer Service, Environment Awareness and CV and Interview skills.

Part of the course involved getting an interview with Chivas Brothers to be selected to undertake a 3-week work placement at one of their production facilities starting in January 2025.

Cal who has been receiving employment support through Moray SWAP attended the course and was offered a placement in the warehouse. This is what Cal said about his experience doing the course: “The course was interactive, enjoyable with qualifications that overlap into other industries. I didn’t realise what a

great opportunity this course was at the beginning. However, I feel fortunate and pleased to be a part of the experience”.

After leaving school in June, Joshua wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in terms or education, or employment so decided to do the course to learn more about the opportunities. “I really enjoyed the range of topics covered and the staff were very friendly and helpful. It’s a great way to gain skills while also getting support with employment”.

The below testimonials are from participants who, following the course in 2023, were selected by Chivas Brothers for the 3-week work placement opportunity and was then taken on as an Agency Employee on full-time hours and are still in employment.

“I’m really enjoying the job, there’s something new every day and I really like the people I work with too. It’s good work, I say to everybody that the days go so quick!

The course helped a lot, it was all about safety and it’s so important to work safely here at Chivas Brothers. The banksman training I use a lot too.

After the course I got to do a three-week work experience placement. I got to do a week each in different areas, so the labs, warehouse and distillery. That was perfect because it let you get a taster of each bit to see what you enjoy most. For me, the placement wasn’t about getting paid, it was about getting that experience of work so I would definitely recommend it. My favourite part has been being back in a squad, working with folk! You get good craic but you work hard too. I’ve said it before but the support from the employability team was great, they stayed in touch after the course to see how I was getting on.”

Dylan said that:

“On the dumping line you work until break on one area, then you move onto the next, and after lunch you move on again and then you’re back where you started. I love it, it’s better than any job I’ve ever done. It’s hard work but I can’t see a time where I’m not working for Chivas Brothers.

Following the course, you have all that experience and qualifications that can help you with so much more in the future or in other industries.”

Lucy said that:

“I like the shifts and I like the dumping line as well. I do them a week at a time so one week is shifts then the next dumping. The course is definitely worth it, you get experience that you wouldn’t get anywhere else and it will help you get a job. Chivas Brothers definitely look after you, they’re really good at making you feel part of the team.”