Crucial role for Moray Pathways after Covid-19 crisis
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A MORAY organisation which helps put people on the right work track says its service has never been more relevant as the region tries to pick itself up from the effects of the pandemic.
Moray Pathways acts as a central point of contact for people seeking to learn, train or find employment. It has built up links during its year in operation to work with more than 20 partners to provide information on skills, training, employment and support.
Its co-ordinator, Amy Cruickshank, an Opportunities for All officer with Moray Council which co-ordinates Moray Pathways, said: "The country and Moray is in crisis.
"There are people out there who have been furloughed and don’t know whether they have jobs to go back to.
"There are businesses who may be making difficult decisions on whether they need to make staff redundant, and there are people who already know they have lost work and may need to find employment or want to now retrain.
"These are just a few of the scenarios that people have been left facing."
The Moray Pathways team offers a range of training for all ages, stages and abilities, and advice on what is right for individuals or businesses.
As well as one-to-one support, it arranges group work, work tasters and placements in a range of sectors.
The team is reminding individuals, organisations and businesses that its members stand available to help in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Amy works alongside Nina Crocombe, of Skills Development Scotland, and added: "Moray Pathways has been in existence for just over a year, but never has what we offer been more crucial.
"We can offer help to people, businesses and organisations who, through no fault of their own, have had their lives turned upside-down by this worldwide crisis.
"Our team works with over 20 partner agencies who all have their own expertise, whether that be in training, employment or education. Moray Pathways is here to bring together all those opportunities under one umbrella so that when people need help and advice, we can direct them to the best solution.
"What is great is that Moray is a vibrant and robust region and there are, despite the current climate, plenty of opportunities out there. We have also developed a new website which is easier to navigate. But really our call to action is that if you need help, call us."
Jane Munro, employer and partnership manager with the Department of Work and Pensions which is one of the Moray Pathways partners, said: "The benefits that Moray Pathways brings to the area are second to none – this is a single point of contact for businesses and people to get access to information on skills, vacancies, re-training and support.
"The Moray Pathways consortium brings together a wealth of information from DWP, Skills Development Scotland, Moray College UHI, along with many local training providers.
"The consortium has been working together for over a year now to bring support and advice services along with local vacancies together in one platform. This opportunity has led to collaborative working across many organisations in Moray to help identify gaps in provision to help fill vacancies across those sectors who struggle to recruit."
To find out more visit www.moraypathways.co.uk or call 07800 678502.
