FREE advice and support is on offer to Barrhead residents who hope to find a job or boost their career.

The Work EastRen employability service can help people to compile a CV and learn interview skills, as well as offering training through one-to-one mentoring, the team of advisors aim to help the area’s unemployed find a job or even boost residents’ career options.

Those who are long-term unemployed, recently left school or simply looking for a new challenge are being encouraged to get in touch with the Work EastRen team, who are based at the Barrhead Foundry.

After registering with the service, people are assigned a caseworker who will provide support.

In the last year alone, more than 600 people of various ages have benefited from using Work EastRen services, whether that has involved finding a job, accessing additional training or gaining qualifications.

Michael McKiernan, Work EastRen leader, said: “We try to manage people’s aspirations and expectations. We’ll set a series of actions for them to complete, such as a CV.

“We then speak to them about what type of support they require. We look at aftercare and contact people to see what support they may need.

“Quite a lot of it is a bit like mentoring and changing somebody’s mindset.”

A key part of Work EastRen is the range of Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) it offers to those aged 16 to 19, who receive a wage and a professional qualification upon completion.

In recent years, teens from the region have gone on to take an MA in a variety of fields, including business and administration, childcare, hospitality and highways maintenance.

There are even plans to introduce an apprenticeship in craft beer production.

Mr McKiernan said: “The young people on the MA have a set series of educational milestones and are assessed on their ability to do the task.”

“It’s a good option because you’re getting industry-recognised qualifications.”

The Work EastRen team also provides support to businesses, including help to find the right employees for their firm.

Financial support is available for employer recruitment incentives and training for staff.

Although based in Barrhead, the team also does outreach work in Neilston, Clarkston, Giffnock and Newton Mearns.

Call 0141 577 8438 or send an email to worker@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk for an appointment.