Special training courses are under way to give people the skills they need to work in sport and leisure, including dedicated courses for coaching football, rugby and basketball.
According to Jim Douglas, economic development officer with North Lanarkshire Council, it's hoped the successful graduates will find work in the sport and leisure industry or with the council.
On a recent visit to North Lanarkshire, Jamie Hepburn MSP welcomed the contribution the programme has made to improving employment prospects in the area.
Scott Allison, who works with North Lanarkshire Council's Learning and Leisure Services, said the council is poised to open its four sports comprehensives to local people at evenings and weekends. Scott said: "We will need people to act as leisure stewards, setting out equipment, or as gym instructors to supervise in the gyms. While there's no guarantee that the jobs will go to people who have completed the training courses, they will obviously be in with a chance.
"It makes sense that jobs go to local people with the right mix of skills."
North Lanarkshire's Working is running the training courses. Jim Douglas added: "As well as receiving qualifications in community sports leadership, we are passing on skills in customer service, interview techniques and first aid. Most of the people taking part have been long-term unemployed. Thanks to North Lanarkshire's Working, they're in with a sporting chance of getting back to work."
For further information please contact:
Jim Douglas
Economic Development Officer
North Lanarkshire Council
Chief Executives Office
106 Main Street
Coatbridge, ML5 3EL
Tel: 01236 638946
Email: douglasjim@northlan.gov.uk
Source: North Lanarkshire Council
