An initiative to help people in North Lanarkshire back into work was given a boost when local MSP Jamie Hepburn visited the project. 

Mr Hepburn, MSP for Central Scotland, met young people training as part of the Sports Development Coaching Programme in Coatbridge to find out about the work the initiative is doing to bring greater employment and training opportunities to the local area.

The Sports Development Coaching Programme delivered through the North Lanarkshire’s Working Employability Service is an initiative aimed at those interested in a career in sports development.  This innovative project was developed in conjunction with North Lanarkshire Council’s Learning and Leisure Department and links to the new sport comprehensive schools. 

The Programme aims to encourage unemployed people enthusiastic about sport to become active in coaching and create the opportunity for future careers in this area. It includes coaching courses in a number of areas including football, basketball and disabled sports.

Mr Hepburn welcomed the contribution the Programme has made to improving employment prospects in the area:

“Visiting the Sports Development Coaching programme was a very useful and worthwhile experience. It was good to go along and gain a real insight of the kind of work done at this initiative and others like it.

"The Sports Development Coaching programme is an excellent initiative which provides the participants with a range of training, qualifications and work experience which, in turn, gives people the necessary skills they require for pursuing a career in sports and coaching.  

"North Lanarkshire Council Regeneration Services, which facilitate this employment initiative and others like it, strikes me as a good example for other Local Authorities in the provision of opportunities for training and employment."

Frances Hunter a Senior Officer at North Lanarkshire Council was happy with the reception Mr Hepburn received during his visit. She said:  

“We were delighted that Mr Hepburn took the time out of his busy schedule to visit us and get a feel for the work North Lanarkshire’s Working Employability Servcie is doing to improve employment prospects for local residents.

“We have worked hard through what has been a difficult economic climate and we are glad that our good work has been acknowledged. Introducing Mr. Hepburn to our initiative was a pleasure and the feedback we’re received from those who met with him has been very positive. We hope that he can come back in future to see our progress and visit some of the many other working initiatives we’ve helped create in the area.”

To find out more about the Sports Development Coaching Programme, and other job opportunities and training available through North Lanarkshire's Working                                                                                                                                                                          Employability Service, call 0800 0730 226 or go to www.northlanarkshiresworking.co.uk

This project is part financed by the Scottish European Structural Funds Programmes for 2007-2013 with funds from the European Social Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.