From The Herald
Young Scots to join ‘boot camp’ for jobs
JENIFER JOHNSON
A job-training scheme developed in Harlem by a former armed robber is to be launched in Scotland.
The Support and Training Results in Valuable Employees programme – or Strive – aims to change behaviour and attitudes towards work with a "boot-camp style" course of basic skills. The scheme was set up in 1984 by Rob Carmona, a former heroin addict who was spared jail by a judge and sent to rehabilitation instead. The "no nonsense" course is now available in 22 cities in the US as well as London. Aimed at the long-term unemployed, people from a chaotic background or those who are unable to stay in a job for more than a few weeks, participants are taught about time-keeping and proper behaviour in the workplace. About 20 young people will take part in the first three-week programme in Dunbartonshire beginning on Monday. If successful, it could be rolled out across the country. Jack McConnell, the first minister, visited Strive's offices in East Harlem yesterday as part of his Tartan Week visit. He said: "I was very impressed. It is very American in its technique – upfront and personal – but maybe that is what is needed in Scotland. "People who have lost their way in life, who have come off the rails, are given a second chance to achieve by facing up to their problems. "It can provide the type of skills and, equally importantly, the type of attitude which makes them ideal employees." The Clydebank-based Len-nox Partnership will get £400,000 over two years to run the scheme. It is hoped the scheme will help 250 people move into full-time work. Participants are taught to behave as if they are at work during the classes. They must wear appropriate dress to the sessions and late-comers are told to explain their absence to the tutor and class. Typically, around 70% of the course's graduates gain employment Blyth Deans, chief executive of the Lennox Partnership, said: "I've seen this work in New York and London and I know it can work in Scotland." People on incapacity benefit, income support and jobseekers' allowance will be encouraged to sign up.
Mr Carmona, 54, was raised by his mother in East Harlem. After being sent to rehab instead of jail in 1976, he turned his life around, completing degrees in social work and education. About 4000 people each year from across the US and in London graduate from the Strive project.
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/59542.html
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