THE youth employment minister dropped in on Alloa last week to see the pioneering work being done by social enterprise Workingrite to help youngsters find full-time work.

Angela Constance met a group of trainees and employers in Alloa during a 90-minute visit to Workingrite's Forth Valley project on Thursday (26 July).

She visited Beatsons Building Supplies, Floral Gems, Wasp Leisure Bowl and Smart Specs and heard of the enterprise's successful workplace mentoring programme which has an influence in many parts of Scotland and some areas of England.

Ms Constance said, "The Scottish Government is committed to tackling youth unemployment and have guaranteed everyone aged 16-19 an offer of a place in training or employment through Opportunities for All.

"Social enterprises and the third sector have a pivotal role to play in making this happen.

"Workingrite has a strong record of getting young people into employment and they have been successful in securing an award of funding from SDS to extend their work." One of Workingrite's trainees in Alloa is Kellyann Cameron, 17, who left school in February and joined Smart Specs in the town.

Since joining the firm, Kellyann has gained a lot of confidence and now happily approaches potential customers to explain how the business works and its current offers in detail.

She said she is glad she has been able to enter a workplace which is allowing her to increase her confidence and providing her with the opportunity to grow with an up-and-coming business.

Anne Marie Macklin, owner of the Smart Specs store, said, "Being a new business, Smart Specs is delighted to have been part of the Workingrite project. It has allowed us to trial a member of staff without breaking the bank.

"We have enjoyed having Kellyann with us and we hope at the end of her placement she will be able to remain with us on a permanent basis." Between now and March next year, 189 youngsters throughout the country, aged 16-19, will be paired up for six months with individual construction and other skilled industry tradesmen in a two-way deal in which they work, learn and develop mentoring relationships with role-model adults.

Last year 130 young people undertook a Workingrite placement, with 83 per cent progressing into jobs or apprenticeships.