Fair Start Scotland

Finding a job can be difficult.  We understand that.  Get ready to land your next job through dedicated support from our Fair Start Scotland team.  We can help with updating your CV, identifying your skills and your employment options, we can also help with training and qualifications – whatever you need to get closer to the job you want.

Whether you are looking for part time or full time jobs, or you want to start your own business, we can help you to put your best foot forward.

Better yet, the support doesn’t stop once you’re in a job; we’ll continue to support you as you settle into work to make sure the job’s right for you.  Taking part is completely voluntary and won’t affect your benefits.  You’ve got nothing to lose – give it a shot!

Referrals to the Fair Start Scotland service ended on 31st March 2024, the service will continue to support active participants to secure sustainable employment. For employability support, please contact Employability in Scotland:

https://www.employabilityinscotland.com/

If you currently receiving support from our Fair Start Scotland mentors call us on 0300 303 3381.

Who is Fair Start Scotland for?

Fair Start Scotland is an employment support service which helps people living in Scotland to find work.  If you're not working or in education, Fair Start Scotland could give you the support you need to get closer to the job you want.

How does it work?

Once you join the programme, you’ll be matched with one of our dedicated work coaches who’ll support you through every step of your Fair Start journey. They’ll take the time to get to know you, your needs and where your strengths lie.

For the time being, Work Coaches will be supporting their customers through regular phone calls, emails and text messages.  Together, you’ll build a step-by-step plan designed to help you get the right kind of job for you. We’ll help you to identify your skills and how you can put them to good use, as well as what’s holding you back from getting a job. It could be anything, from a lack of experience to needing support with your mental health.

Fair Start Scotland is here to help you, whatever you need. We’ll work with you to develop a plan to get you closer to employment – everyone’s journey is different. You’ll have access to:

• Lots of specialist support, tailored to you and your needs

• Help with job searches, CVs, interview prep and job applications

• Helping you to access online training opportunities to get you ready for your next step

• Exciting ways to develop your skills

• Links with employers to help you secure placements and explore what job is right for  you

How long does it last for?

You’ll get support for up to 12-18 months, it all depends on what stage you’re at. Someone may need additional support getting their first job, another might need a little bit of help boosting their confidence after being made redundant – there are a variety of different reasons why someone might come to us. Once you’re working, we’ll still support you to make sure you’re settling in and that it’s the right fit for you.

Who runs Fair Start Scotland?

Fair Start Scotland is the Scottish Government's flagship employment support service.  The Wise Group and our partners (Enable and The Lennox Partnership) work with people from Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire.  If you need to check what Local Authority you live in, you can do so by entering your post code into the UK Government's Find Your Local Council webpage.

If you are not from one of these areas, you can find your local Fair Start Scotland provider through the mygov.scot website.

How can Fair Start help me find a job?

You and your dedicated Work Coach will work together to identify your skills, any training needs and scope out jobs that work for you.  Whether that's part time or full time, local to where you live or a little further away, your Work Coach will help you look.  In addition, our Employer Engagement Team work with companies and recruiters from across the West of Scotland, sharing job opportunities with our Fair Start Scotland customers.

We can help you with writing your CV, submitting applications and preparing for interviews.  Whatever you need.

I'm unemployed and want to join. What's next?

That's great, we would love to speak to you and help you get started.  Complete our Online Enquiry Form and one of the team will be in touch.  Or, you can phone us on 0300 303 3381.

I want to start my own business, can you help with that?

Yes we can.  We currently have two self employment experts working on the Fair Start Scotland team who can help budding business owners with every aspect of getting the business off the ground.  Whether you're ready to launch, or whether you're just starting to think about self-employment, our team can help.