Published on:
04
May 2006
A new broom is sweeping through the Hillfoots, keeping the area clean, tidy and free from litter.
Frank Carlon was one of three trainees taken on through a new partnership with New Approaches by the Council's land services to work as street sweepers.
And Frank has made such a clean sweep of things that he has now been given a year's contract with rounds in Menstrie and Coalsnaughton.
Head of Environmental Services Ewart McAuslane said: "Last year's budget included extra funding to improve street cleaning, which allowed us to take on some new recruits. Frank is doing a great job and I've had nothing but positive feedback about his work. He's a valuable member of the team."
You are invited to send a photographer to Ramsey Street, Coalsnaughton, at 10.30am on Friday 5th May to see Frank at work.
Frank (42) lives in Tullibody and is delighted with his job. He said: "I really like being a street sweeper, being outdoors and meeting different people. It's great to feel appreciated and feel that I am making a difference to the local environment."
This is the first time the Council has employed trainees using New Approaches. Frank has previously worked in a range of manual jobs and contacted New Approaches after being paid off from a labouring job in Stirling.
"I went to their open day at Alloa Town Hall and was interested in the construction brokerage scheme, working on the railway line," he said. "When I put in my application, New Approaches told me there might be able to get an interview for a job with the Council. I had a four week trial and then got kept on."
Depute leader Councillor Eddie Carrick said: "We are committed to seeing significant improvements in dealing with litter which is why we provided an additional £60,000 in last year's budget to develop the service. I am delighted that these improvements have also led to opportunities for local unemployed people to learn new skills and get job opportunities within land services."
New Approaches can find appropriate people for work experience, short term vacancies or full time positions. By using New Approaches it is hoped more local, unemployed people will get job opportunities with the Council.
New Approaches project co-ordinator Jeanie Robin said: "I am delighted that Frank has now got a full time position with the Council. I hope that this project will continue, increasing the number of local unemployed people, moving into positions within the Council."
New Approaches, which will celebrate its 10th birthday later this year, helps unemployed people get back to work by offering a wide range of advice, information and personal support. This can involve assessing a person's skills and matching them with vacancies and polishing interview techniques and ongoing support once an unemployed person has found work or training. New Approaches also help employers in Forth Valley find new recruits amongst the unemployed people on their books.
Note to Editor
This initiative was supported and run by Clackmannanshire Construction Brokerage, hosted by New Approaches, in partnership with Triage Central Ltd and land services.
For more information contact New Approaches on 01259 727333.