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Aftercare programme reports early success

Nichola and Kate, Aftercare Team

Aftercare, which supports young people new to the workplace or further education, helped 94% of its clients retain their positions after three months - well above the 80% target set by Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire.

This conversion rate, known as sustainability, was the most important performance indicator specified by SEL - who fund the project alongside North and South Lanarkshire Councils - ahead of the project's launch in April.

Team leader Nichola Shearer commented: "The reason behind this success is that Aftercare is highly dedicated to providing one-to-one tailored support for every client who enters into employment or further education.

"We go that extra mile for clients, which has included, for example, referring a client who had a disability to an outside agency to help with extra job searching."

Aftercare helps young adults realise the long-term benefits of employment, such as financial independence and self-esteem.

Kate Gavin Aftercare Mentor

Aftercare's success to date shows that its tailored approach is working for its clients, the vast majority of whom are well on their way to securing long-term employment.

By the project's guidelines, any client still in employment or education after six months has 'sustained' and is not considered to be at risk of leaving.

With so many participants now halfway to achieving that sustainability, Nichola is understandably delighted. She said: "Our aim is to support each client and offer them advice and guidance to help sustain their chosen career path.

"The results show that we are achieving those aims. Most of our clients in employment have also taken the opportunity to do an SVQ, which is vital to their long-term career prospects.

"We also have a high number of clients in full-time further education, studying a variety of courses including Beauty Therapy, Mechanics and the new 18-week Police training course."

The Aftercare team, which consists of Nichola and two mentors, visits clients on-site to discuss their progress and iron out any concerns or problems they encounter.

These can range from resolving conflict with colleagues or management, to offering guidance on further training that may be available.

Kate Gavin, one of the Aftercare mentors, believes their ability to provide informed and neutral advice can remove many of the difficulties experienced by young adults in the workplace.

She explained: "By continuing a trusting and caring relationship with the client, the client becomes more determined to reach their goals in the workplace and their personal life.

"Furthermore, Aftercare helps young adults realise the long-term benefits of employment, such as financial independence and self-esteem. These act as a critical incentives to stay in work."

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