Local man lands job with Sodexo at Scottish Parliament

18th September 2009, 3:44pm

James Newport, a local man from Edinburgh, has landed a job with Sodexo at the Scottish Parliament after completing the 'Ready for Work' scheme – a programme that aims to help long-term unemployed people back into work.

Newport, who has been appointed as a kitchen porter for the leading food and facilities management services provider, was offered a job after completing the two-week programme at the Scottish Parliament, where he worked as a food service assistant in the Garden Level restaurant. He has become the first ever participant of the 'Ready for Work' programme to secure a role at the Scottish Parliament.

After taking part in the standard recruitment procedure alongside other candidates, Newport was interviewed by one of Sodexo's top chefs at the Parliament and was subsequently offered the role. 

He said: "The 'Ready for Work' programme  was great and I would recommend it to anybody. I was made to feel really welcome and had two 'buddies' for the two weeks who looked after me. This gave me a lot of confidence and am looking forward to working with my new colleagues at Sodexo."

Lynn Abernethy, general manager for Sodexo at the Parliament, added: "James fitted in right from the beginning and it was fantastic to be able to offer him a full time role  at the end of his placement. 

"It is difficult enough starting any new job but when you have been out of the work place for a considerable period of  time it is even more daunting.  The 'Ready for Work' programme is an excellent way of re introducing people to work  and giving them the support they need."

Supported by Scottish Business in the Community, the programme aims to equip excluded groups, such as the unemployed, to gain the necessary skills to gain employment and independent living. 

The ethos behind the scheme is to help develop the self-esteem and confidence of these individuals in the work environment, and to give them meaningful work experience, a reference and a certificate of completion.

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