School leavers in North Lanarkshire have taken part in an innovative speed networking event to help them take their first steps into the workplace.

The event, hosted by North Lanarkshire’s Working and co-ordinated through the More Choices More Chances sub group, was held on Monday December 8 in the @Home Centre in Airdrie. A group of 60 pupils from six different North Lanarkshire schools were given the chance to meet representatives from public and private sector organisations and find out more about the wide range of opportunities open to them after finishing their studies.

A service which helps unemployed people in North Lanarkshire into employment, education or training has received a prestigious award for its success in stimulating the local economy.

Routes to Work, is an arms length company of North Lanarkshire Council.  It delivers across all areas of North Lanarkshire and has been honoured as part of the council’s corporate awards scheme for 2008.

The ‘Men into Childcare, 50+’ course is starting in January 2009. More men are beginning to start working in childcare – in nurseries and as after school activity coaches. Find out how you can use your experience to train for a job in childcare.

Courses are taking place in Motherwell, Coatbridge and Cumbernauld. For more information or to book your place please call 0870 0730 226.  

Unemployed people in Motherwell will be encouraged to take the first steps back into work when a skills roadshow stops off in town on Monday (August 11).