Moray Swap delivered a 5-day Construction Skills course in February to 11 participants aged 16-24 years old. The course included a variety of accredited qualifications, including Manual Handling, Emergency First Aid, employability tools (CV and interview preparation) and the 1-day Health and Site Safety to help them gain their CSCS Labourer card. Once they have passed their touch screen test, they are allowed to work on a construction site.

As part of this 7-day course, participants gained:

• Customer Service Skills
• Barista Skills
• Manual Handling
• Emergency First Aid
• REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene
• Employability tools

All of the participants were interviewed by a local employer, and 1 was offered full-time employment with 4 of the participants being offered part-time roles. 

Comments from the participants included:

Matthew said, “I really enjoyed my experience on the course and came away feeling confident and inspire in applying for jobs and re-entering employment. I would highly recommend the course to those looking to acquire new skills and abilities”.

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.”

Five clients have now completed the SIA Door Supervisor Security course and two have completed the Security Guard course. This 2-week intense practical and theory course covers Emergency First Aid as well as the following modules Working in The Private Security Industry, Working as a Door Supervisor, Conflict Management and Physical Intervention Skills.

Once their results come through, they will be able to apply for their licence and then start applying for employment in security. We are wishing them all the best of luck with their exam results and looking forward to continue supporting them to look for employment.

Andy attended the course as he is looking for flexible work to fit in with his childcare commitments, he said:

“I have really enjoyed the course and learning all about the skills required when working in security. The range of jobs that you are able to apply for with this qualification is great and I’m looking forward to getting into employment”.