West Dunbartonshire Council’s Working4U Service supports residents across West Dunbartonshire in their journey towards employment. With a focus on assisting with benefits, debt issues, education, qualifications, and digital skills, Working4U aims to empower individuals and communities, helping them improve their skills, financial situations, and overall quality of life.
Youth Council
West Dunbartonshire Youth Council was formed in September 2019 to give West Dunbartonshire's Young People opportunities to engage in decision making and impact local change. Membership is open to young people aged 12 - 25 who live, work or study in West Dunbartonshire and are interested in making a difference for local young people!
If this sounds like you, get in touch with us via our social channels @WestDunbartonshireYouthCouncil on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or email us at WDYouthCouncil@west-dunbarton.gov.uk.
Thrive
Are you aged 16 – 24 and looking for support to help you progress towards employment? Working with us on the 12 week programme gives you a potential £40 a week training allowance! Or stay on Universal Credit if you are claiming a benefit.
The Thrive programme helps you works towards your goals at your pace with practical support to help you such as setting up a bank account, accessing Young Scot Cards and travel passes as well as supporting your health and wellbeing with gym memberships and whilst developing your CV through volunteering.
You will work one to one with a youth worker and then progress to group work to help you build your confidence and motivation whilst working on goals and your career plan. There are volunteering opportunities as part of the programme to help you build experience for your CV.
Previous participants have volunteered at a local food bank, started their gym memberships and have progressed into employment, further volunteering and training. One participant said:
"I really like coming to the sessions, I don't ever want to miss one, I really like coming here and making new friends as I didn't go out the house much once I left school as I didn't really feel like I had any friends. I feel like I've made friends here for the first time and it's really nice.
I'm looking forward to experiencing a lot more opportunities as it's something I didn't do when I was younger, I used to just come home from school and play video games."
"It was a really good learning experience over all for me, I've become more confident about things."
Thrive Good New Story
Ty was a young person who needed support with his mental health. He had low self-esteem and confidence and struggled with his motivation. He joined the Thrive programme for support.
Ty gradually became more confident and enjoyed the group work sessions in Awestruck Academy in Clydebank. He loved the volunteering aspect at the Recycle Room in Clydebank and became the first person in his group to achieve his 10 hours Saltire Award.
Ty’s experience on Thrive was positive. Following the end of the programme Ty was referred to Working 4U’s SQA Volunteer Skills Award Programme.
Ty began the volunteer programme and took part in group sessions and training before starting a placement. After some discussion into interests, skills and likes and dislikes we discovered Ty’s strong love for animals and settled on a volunteer placement at SPCA.
The programme involves a 6 week placement but Ty was so happy in his that he continues to volunteer there 16 weeks later! The transformation in Ty has been amazing, he is so confident in his volunteer role at the centre and is so full of joy when he is there. He has become an integral member of their volunteer team.
Ty has also moved into part time employment in retail and is currently applying for an animal care role in SPCA.
Interested? Register your interest here and tick the Thrive Programme. A youth worker will then be in touch to discuss next steps.
Working4U has a team of employability key workers who can support you to consider training, education, volunteering, modern apprenticeships or employment. You would be allocated an adviser who would work with you on a one to one basis, setting goals to work towards through making an action plan. We often help people make CV, job search, complete application forms, prepare for interviews and support to gain new qualifications like first aid or health and safety. We can also help you settle into your new course or employment with help for travel expenses and anything else that might help you stay in work.
Working4U has a training team which provides training to help develop confidence, motivation and vocational skills. We offer training courses in:
- First aid
- Health and safety
- Customer Service
- Care sector qualifications
- Food Hygiene
- Dynamic Youth awards
- Hospitality sector qualifications
- Further Training opportunities are also available Working4U Employability - Further Training Opportunities | West Dunbartonshire Council (west-dunbarton.gov.uk)
To refer to this support and explore opportunities, please complete this form Working 4 U Referral - Your Details - postcode - My West Dunbartonshire (west-dunbarton.gov.uk)
Foundation Apprenticeships
Foundation Apprenticeships are a work-based learning opportunity for senior-phase secondary school pupils.
Working4U offer Foundation Apprenticeships in Construction Craft at SCQF Level 5; Business Skills at SCQF Level 6; Civil Engineering at SCQF Level 6; Social Services Children & Young People at SCQF Level 6 and Social Services Healthcare at SCQF Level 6.
Lasting one or two years, pupils begin their Foundation Apprenticeship in S4, S5 or S6. Young people spend time out of school with Working4U and with a local employer and complete the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside their other school subjects.
Completion leads to a qualification at the same level of learning as a National 5 or a Higher for SCQF Level 6 subjects and can lead to progression on to a job, such as a Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship.
Foundation Apprenticeships are recognised as entry qualifications by all Scottish colleges and universities.
Case Study – B completed his Construction Craft at SCQF Level 5 course over his school period. The course gave him an insight to construction skills such as joinery, painting and decorating and bricklaying, as well as employability preparation. B now has stayed on at school to gain more subjects and feels more confident in his abilities as he looks to gain an apprenticeship in Construction when he is ready to leave school
To find out more about FA’s, please email fa@west-dunbarton.gov.uk or complete the referral form Working 4 U Referral - Your Details - postcode - My West Dunbartonshire (west-dunbarton.gov.uk)
Modern Apprenticeships
West Dunbartonshire Council as a Corporate Parent guarantee Care Experienced Young People an interview for a Council Modern Apprenticeship.
West Dunbartonshire council wish to provide care experienced young people with the best opportunities for employment and to support this commitment all care experienced young people are guaranteed interviews for any posts within WDC where they meet the essential criteria. This commitment is extended to all recruitment including the Modern Apprenticeship programme.
To register for apprenticeship alerts for a West Dunbartonshire Council apprenticeship position please register on www.myjobscotland.gov.uk
To receive support applying for apprenticeships please register with Working4U on the following link Working 4 U Referral - Your Details - postcode - My West Dunbartonshire (west-dunbarton.gov.uk)
Case Study – M started his Leisure Apprenticeship in Sport and Active leisure: Operational Services Level 2. M was supported by Working4U to complete his apprenticeship and full qualification and continues to work within the Leisure industry.
Money/Benefit Support
Dealing with money can be tricky and if you need any help to know what benefits and financial supports you may be entitled to, we have experienced advisers who can help you with:
- In and out of work benefit claims
- Benefit appeal representation
- Assistance with debt issues
- Debt issues
Working 4 U Referral - Your Details - postcode - My West Dunbartonshire (west-dunbarton.gov.uk)
Togetherall is a free digital mental health platform, to provide all residents aged 16+ with round-the-clock access to trained clinicians. West Dunbartonshire residents can benefit from this safe, online community to share experiences, connect with others, and access practical mental health resources.
Togetherall is accessible 24/7 on any internet-enabled device, offering tools and support to help you manage your emotional well-being. With professional moderation and crisis intervention, the service ensures immediate support and provides a comprehensive wellness hub for self-management.
To learn more visit www.Togetherall.com - select check if you’re eligible and input your post code. Its confidential and free!