MORE than 50 firms and organisations have signed up to a £2.5million programme to cut youth unemployment.
The Invest in Renfrewshire scheme, set up by Renfrewshire Council, aims to create up to 1000 jobs for 18 to 24-year-olds across the area, which has been battling high levels of youth unemployment.
By getting involved, companies will get support from the council to find, train and develop the workforce they need.
Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said: "Our work with the business community and public agencies has shown a willingness to get behind a partnership approach to boost employability and economic growth.
"I'm very encouraged that we have secured the participation of more than 50 companies, business associations and public organisations in Invest in Renfrewshire.
"They recognise that we are putting in place practical proposals to work together to build the right conditions for job creation and business growth."
Renfrew-based firm Steel Engineering is one of the firms taking part. Its managing director Peter Breslin said: "Our company had been firmly committed to the modern apprenticeship programme for a number of years now and appreciates the significant benefits young people bring to the overall success of our business.
"We also wanted to do something positive to tackle unemployment and applaud Renfrew-shire Council for launching this initiative."
The Invest in Renfrewshire programme will include £720,000 for wage subsidies and apprenticeship grants. A further £460,000 will be used to support business growth, including feasibility studies for social enterprises.
In addition, £200,000 will be spent to assist retailers to improve shop fronts, and £200,000 will fund 30 graduate internships.
For details, visit www.investinrenfrewshire.com
ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk