Act Argyll Ltd is the trading company launched by Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (Act) in September of last year and since then they have established teams in Helensburgh and Oban and appointed 2 full time Chargehands and 6 trainees on 12-month contracts to join the Act Argyll Skills and Contracts Manager Douglas Grierson and Admin Officer Suzi Billings. Over the next few weeks interviews will be taking place for Assistants to take up work experience placements of up to 6 weeks, in partnership with JobCentre Plus. The aim of Act Argyll is to equip people with the skills needed to enhance local areas and to improve their own employment prospects, and all the signs are that those aims are already being achieved.
The teams carry out environmental projects and ground works improvements such as brick work, paving, landscaping and small-scale joinery as well as receiving certificated skills and qualifications. Act Argyll Ltd is supported by the Scottish Government’s People and Communities Fund, which was procured through Dunbritton Housing Association in partnership with West Highland Housing Association. The company has also received support from Argyll and Bute Council, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage. The Trainees and Assistants earn 10% above the national minimum wage.
Act Argyll Ltd held its open day on December 15th last year in Oban and welcomed customers, supporters and friends who have helped make their first few months such a success. This week the Oban team are working with Greenshoots to help clear an old greenhouse in Glencruitten Walled Garden for community use, and the Helensburgh team will shortly start work with Clydeview Growing Group to create raised beds for Dunbritton Housing Association residents to use. Douglas Grierson said “Things are progressing really well, and new work and opportunities are coming up quickly. The housing associations have been really pleased with the work that our teams have done, and the teams are happy which is what we’re looking for! The past few months have been challenging – but things have come together really well and there’s a lot to look forward to.”
