Workingrite

Website: www.workingrite.co.uk

Workingrite is a social enterprise that sets up and delivers work-based mentoring and learning projects for 16-19 year olds across Scotland. In 2004 Sandy Campbell, a former community regeneration consultant, and Allan Nicol, a training instructor in the construction industry, piloted a programme called Training Opportunities in Leith (TOIL), delivering projects that match up 16-18 year olds with trade based employers in the Leith area.

From the resulting success of the TOIL pilot, Sandy then rolled the model out to other areas of Scotland under the name 'Workingrite'. By 2008 Workingrite had formed itself as a Community Interest Company, with venture philanthropy funding and new offices in Leith. Now, thanks to further support from the Young Foundation's Learning Launchpad programme, Workingrite directly delivers seven projects running under contracts secured with Skills Development Scotland.

Work placement employers are recruited by an area-based Workingrite Project Manager and can be either self-employed independent tradesmen, or local small businesses. Workingrite's approach is based on the concept of a 'deal' agreed to by both the youngsters and tradesmen. A brokered 3-6 month work placement is designed to create a real working relationship between the Trainee and Tradesman.