Hand Picked is a unique employer sponsorship programme, which supports young people into employment.
Created by Gerard Eadie CBE, Hand Picked is run and operated by CR Smith on a charitable basis. It is driven by a network of Scotland’s business owners and employers who understand today’s labour market and who are committed to nurturing Scotland’s future workforce. They do this either by sponsoring a young person in a paid temporary job or by hosting a Hand Picked Academy for young people in their community.
We believe there is potential in everyone if you are prepared to look. Hand Picked candidates are no different. We simply give them the opportunity to learn about employer expectations, gain skills and work experience to help them move into employment.
Many of our young people get a head start to their new career through Hand Picked. Here are a few examples:
Automotive
"Lauren, who left school at 16, struggled to find employment, but once she had enrolled with Hand Picked she quickly got an opportunity with D&G Autocare. Following her initial 12 weeks at the vehicle repair company under the Hand Picked initiative, Lauren was given a permanent job in administration."
Information Systems
"Andrew Marshall (24), an Information Systems graduate, had been out of work for six months before he heard about Hand Picked through the Job Centre. He started with legal firm J&G Wilson on a 12 week paid placement and he was subsequently kept on."
Media
"Rebecca Suiter (23), an out of work media and communications graduate, secured her first full time job thanks to Hand Picked and the support of Stagecoach. Since completing her Hand Picked contract, Rebecca has progressed her career further and is now a Digital Account Manager in Edinburgh, a job she always wanted.”"
"Hand Picked works because there is a trial period which allows both the young person and the employer to find out if they are right for each other."
Operations Director
"Hand Picked has been a good opportunity to give young people proper experience of working and we have been very happy to give them a helping hand."
Production Director
"We've had candidates working in marketing, fleet and engineering; all of whom have proved themselves to be more than capable employees. Hand Picked is a great way to engage young people in business."
Marketing Manager