Aberdeen City Council has announced plans to extend its employability support programme for up to another four years.

Progress through Positive Partnerships, which is led by the council's City Growth team and delivered in conjunction with third, public and private sector partners, was formally launched in August 2017 after securing £880,000 from the European Social Fund (ESF).

The programme offers vocational training in disciplines including construction, engineering, computing and care, as well as help with literacy, numeracy, language and interview skills, and the provision of work experience placements.

It has a primary focus on the regeneration areas of Middlefield, Torry, Woodside, Seaton and Tillydrone, and provides a broad range of support to city residents facing multiple barriers to employment.


A report for the City Growth and Resources Committee estimated that the project extension, if approved by the Scottish Government, would engage with 5,790 people over the next four years.

It would seek to help a minimum of 1,870 people into work, with a minimum of 1,300 participants achieving a recognised qualification.

The project would also offer aftercare to participants entering employment and work with employers to support at least 750 people to gain in-work qualifications and a similar number to make a positive progression within their employment.

City Growth and Resources Committee convener Councillor Douglas Lumsden said: "The Progress through Positive Partnerships has already proven its worth by helping residents, including some of our most disadvantaged, access training, personal development coaching and ultimately, jobs.

"The project has established a strategic employability pipeline, improving the co-ordination of service provision across communities.

"It delivers against the Council's Inclusive Growth ambitions, meets employers' needs, and offers a strong foundation for work on Regional Economic Strategy priorities such as community benefits and Developing the Young Workforce.

"Extending the programme will yield further wins for citizens and the city as a whole."