Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2023 and Investors in Young People Platinum Award!

Stuart McMillan MSP visited River Clyde Home’s (RCH) headquarters in Greenock on Monday 6 March 2023 to hear more about their apprenticeship scheme, and meet some of the young apprentices employed by the housing association as part of Scottish Apprenticeship Week. 

During his visit, the local SNP MSP presented RCH with their Investors in Young People (IIYP) platinum award in recognition of its commitment to the training and development of young people. 

Commenting after the visit, Stuart said: “RCH are a major employer in my Greenock and Inverclyde constituency, so it was great to go along to their headquarters today to learn more about their efforts to support local young people into jobs. 

“Having met some of the apprentices that the housing association employs, it’s clear why RCH have been awarded the prestigious IIYP Platinum Accreditation – which is given to less than 1% of businesses that take part in the programme. Their approach to youth employment, focused on ensuring that key trades and skills are passed onto the next generation, but that there is also a wide range of opportunities for young people, is commendable. 

“Apprenticeship programmes don’t just benefit those that are recruited – they are a way for companies to future proof their workforce capabilities and adapt, develop and strengthen their business. 

“I want to thank RCH for investing in our young people as apprenticeships support sustained employment, upskilling and a productive economy. 

“The Scottish Government recognises the role apprenticeships play in unlocking potential for the benefit of Scotland’s economy – which is why in 2022-23, the SNP in government invested up to £45 million in the Young Person’s Guarantee. 

“Over 800 employers have signed up to the Guarantee, which has seen more than 22,000 young people offered workplace opportunities, as it aims to connect 16-24-year-olds with an apprenticeship, work experience, volunteering, internships, enterprise opportunities and mentoring.” 

RCH Group are delighted to have been awarded the Platinum Investors in Young People good practice award, one of only eleven organisations in Scotland to hold this coveted title.

We took part in a rigorous assessment, which saw over 20 young people and their line managers interviewed about their pathways and their experiences within our organisation.  

The award reflects our continuous commitment to attracting, supporting, recruiting, developing, and retaining young people. As a platinum employer, RCH was noted for its strong engagement with education and youth employment providers, leading to measurable improvements learning and employment opportunities for young people.  

Richard Turnock, CEO said: “This award highlights our commitment to investing in the development of our young people, nurturing talent potential and providing career opportunities within Inverclyde for the long term.”

Nicola Campbell, HR Manager said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this amazing accolade and that we have been recognised as a Platinum employer. This award re-affirms our investment in our young people and recognition that we are investing in our future leaders”.

Investors in Young People Practitioner, Nicola Dillon praised the achievement: “On behalf of IIP CIC I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate RCH on achieving the prestigious Investors in Young People Platinum accreditation. RCH are a leading ambassador for employing young people and are a benchmark employer for the sector.” 

 “What stands out is their commitment from the top down to empower Young People to have a voice to enhance their Youth Employment Practices and to provide opportunities for young people to learn, develop and complete job related qualifications to reach their full potential and have a rewarding career in the Housing Sector. The association first achieved the IIYP (Investors In Young People) standard accreditation in 2017 and since then have been on a journey of continuous improvement. The good practice changes implemented as a result of the Investors in Young People working group to attract, recruit, develop and retain Young People are exemplary and the group are now set to share their great practice across the sector and to other interested stakeholders”