Young Adults in North Lanarkshire are Given a Taste for DIY

Young adults in North Lanarkshire are being given the opportunity to try their hand at some basic DIY skills through a series of three day introductory painting, decorating and tiling courses.

The workshops, which are being run by Maintenance and Property Care (MPC) in partnership with Access, a North Lanarkshire Council Learning & Leisure service, are designed to give over 16s who are either unemployed or detached from mainstream employment opportunities the chance to learn some new skills and hopefully encourage them back into work or education.

The first course, which took place last month, was a huge success with all six participants enjoying the experience and learning some useful skills along the way. At the end of the three days, all the students were provided with a DIY starter pack supplied by MPC as well as prospectuses from local colleges.

John Boyd, Managing Director of MPC, said: "We are very pleased to be able to offer these trade taster sessions in partnership with Access, particularly because it is helping to provide training and support to some of those people who have previously missed out on education and training opportunities.

"MPC is committed to supporting the local community and through this partnership we hope we can help some of these young people back into employment or further education."

Andy Jack, Employment Councillor, Access, said: "Over the last 10 years Access has always looked to deliver unique and flexible learning experiences for those vulnerable to homelessness and this partnership is one of the most unique we have been involved in. Having already successfully completed the pilot course we hope that we will be able to continue working with MPC into 2010 and beyond, delivering quality assured learning experiences to those involved with our service."