BUSINESSES in Inverclyde are stepping up to give young people the skills they need to find jobs and help the recovery from Covid.

West College Scotland is working closely with the local hospitality, retail and third sectors to support students into employment.

With youth unemployment tipped to be a huge challenge in the coming years, the college's learning development department are pulling out all the stops to open up opportunities for all.

Following a recent appeal from them, a host of local employers - some who have been the hardest hit by the pandemic - offered to take on students.

Across Inverclyde students are now developing their skills and boosting their confidence in garden centres, hotels and hair salons through their Certificate for Work Readiness course.

Michael Haggarty, 23, who is on the course was delighted to be placed at Cardwell Garden Centre.

He said: "This is the kind of career I want, as my dad is involved in gardening.

"I love it here and I really hope I can do well.

"I have tried lots of different things since leaving school but this course has been really great."

Also on a placement through the work readiness programme is fellow student Jade Piggott, 19.

The Greenock student said: "This has been great for my confidence.

"I have been at college since I left school on different courses but now I feel like I am ready for employment.

"I love working with the plants and the animals, it ticks all the boxes."

The garden centre was forced to close during lockdown and has suffered huge financial losses as a result of the pandemic.

As they begin to bounce back retail manager Paul Carmichael believes that giving young people opportunities is crucial.

Paul said: "There are challenging times for everyone and we want to help in whatever way we can.

"It is great to have young people here who are enthusiastic and can learn new skills."

Cardwell have been joined by the Holiday Inn hotel, Morton in the Community, Belville Gardens and Parklea Branching Out, among other organisations, in offering nearly 200 hours for students on work placements

Amethyst Hair and Beauty in Port Glasgow boss Nicola McLellan told the Tele she was delighted to sign up and take Taylor Kitchen on board.

She said: "We have always had a close links with the college, all my staff came from there so we are delighted to offer our support."

Taylor, who has suffered from ill health, says she has found her confidence again through the placement.

She told the Tele: "It is so good for confidence to come here and learn more about the hard work that goes into the industry."

College employability adviser Mhairi Powell has been linking up with a number of local employers.

She said: "We put out an appeal to employers and we have had a great response, with many businesses coming forward to offer placements for students.

"We want to develop more links like this.

"It is great to come out to visit the young people and see how their confidence is growing."

College curriculum quality leader Janice Boyle said: "This course is for all young people looking for the skills to support them into employment.

"The work placement element is really important in this course - we want to give young people the experience they need to find employment."