It might not have been great weather, but July has been a packed month for talented young people and entrepreneurs in Renfrewshire.

From apprenticeships, young businesses and The Recruit programme, there are plenty of opportunities locally. There’s also a look at the forthcoming family fun day out with the Fire Engine Rally next month and the expansion of the Families First programme in Johnstone.

Thursday, July 2, Housing programme apprenticeships As we reach the final stage of our £138million housing improvement programme, I recently met some local young people who’ve been given jobs through the scheme.

Emma McWilliams from Houston, Scott Fraser from Renfrew and Amy Lindsay from Johnstone, are just three of the 20 who were taken on as apprentices during our Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) programme.

More than 200 jobs were created by the project which has seen nearly 10,000 homes receive new kitchens, bathrooms and rewiring. Over 6,500 homes have had new heating systems, and almost 3,500 tenants have also benefitted from external work.

This means homes are modern, attractive and energy efficient for years to come.

Between these major improvements, the job opportunities created and the community benefit schemes our contractors were encouraged to carry out, the SHQS programme has had a hugely positive impact across Renfrewshire.

Friday, July 10, Families First Johnstone is set to benefit from the expansion of the successful Families First core team programme. Core teams are already in place in Linwood and Ferguslie where families have told us how much they value Families First, so we’re injecting £1.16m from the council’s £6m poverty fund to extend to Gallowhill, Foxbar and Johnstone.

The core teams in Linwood and Ferguslie support over 350 families with family life, finances and housing, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. The teams listen to parents and support them as they need it, including helping to maximise incomes by over £950,000 and manage over £80,000 of debt since November 2013. Plus, the teams have helped save the average family around £240.00 a year on energy to heat their homes.

There are also plenty of activities for parents, grandparents and carers, such as baby massage, cooking-on-a-budget classes and activity sessions for young children.

For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/familiesfirst.

Monday, July 13, InCube entrepreneurs Johnstone based business Knit Knax is one of 13 young businesses who have won a place in Invest in Renfrewshire’s business incubator, InCube. And while Knit Knax will move into the InCube on Paisley High Street with the rest, they are also planning to open a new-concept retailer in the town.

Guitar Slide from Linwood, Subsafe Audio from Renfrew, Treetop Boutique from Bishopton and Amy MacGregor from Bridge of Weir are also joining the lucky 13 who won a place in our InCube because of their potential to grow, innovate and add value to Renfrewshire’s economy.

As one of the judges for that competition, I can tell you there is a huge amount of talent and enterprise throughout Renfrewshire. This creative entrepreneurial spirit will inspire and fuel our economic growth.

Thursday, July 23, Fire Engine Rally I am looking forward to the Fire Engine Rally making a welcome return to Houstoun Square in Johnstone next month.

It is a fantastic family day out with lots of entertainment and activities laid on throughout the afternoon of Saturday, August 15.

And the highlight of the show will be watching the classic emergency vehicles from through the ages parade from Johnstone Fire Station to the town centre.

It really is a great opportunity to get up close to these magnificent machines that are still with us thanks to Scottish Fire and Rescue Heritage Trust.

Tuesday, July 28, Invest in Renfrewshire Students all over Renfrewshire will be waiting by their phones and letterboxes to hear news of their exam results. Whatever the news, there are many opportunities out there for young people, including the Recruit programme.

The Invest in Renfrewshire’s career-starter helps young people to gain confidence, skills and qualifications that will help them to get a job and succeed in the work place. Twenty recruits will be challenged, over six weeks, to deliver projects for local organisations; by team building activities; and by learning new skills that are valued in the workplace. Five of them will secure Modern Apprenticeships with the council and local businesses immediately. All other recruits will get help to find jobs and training opportunities.

You can apply or find out more at www.investinrenfrewshire.com or by calling 0300 300 1180.

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