A YOUTH employability event in Barrhead offered advice to those aiming to take their first step on the career ladder.

Dozens of young men and women attended the careers fair at Barrhead Foundry to learn about the support and training opportunities available to them.

Hosted by the council’s employability service, Work EastRen, the event highlighted job vacancies in the region to those aged between 16 and 24 who are not currently in employment, education or training.

A number of school leavers stopped by the venue to hear from a variety of organisations, including: Skills Development Scotland (SDS) East Renfrewshire Council’s Adult and Family Learning service, Street League, YES Academy and Impact Arts.

Inquisitive guests made their way around stalls to ask questions and collect information bundles as they weigh up their next career move.

The local authority also launched its new Youth Employability Plan (YEAP) in conjunction with the event which was held in partnership with SDS.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, convener for Infrastructure and Sustainable Growth, took time to talk with youngsters and their parents.

Speaking after the event, he credited the partnership work involved in the local authority’s youth employability programme.

He said: “It’s great to see an event that targets this difficult to reach age group and let’s them know that there is help and support available for them.

“We are fortunate in East Renfrewshire that there is a joined-up approach among these different agencies that you see here today.”

Cllr Buchanan added: “This linked up approach, co-ordinated by the council’s Work EastRen team, lets young people see that there is help out there beyond the school curriculum and real opportunities to get into employment.”

To find out more information, call the Work EastRen team on 0141 577 8438 or send an email to worker@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.

Alternatively, go to www.workeastren.co.uk.