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:
Engineering Administrator
"Charli had previously worked in hospitality and found it increasingly difficult to secure a job outwith the industry. She felt she was being overlooked for administrative jobs because she didn't have the relevant work experience. Now, thanks to a 90 day hand picked job at Marine Harvest, Charli has secured herself an administrative contract with the company and couldn't be happier."
Finance Administrator
"Nadia was about to finish up at school and was put in touch with the Hand Picked team who connected her to a 90 day paid job at CR Smith to gain work experience. But Nadia impressed the team so much that she was offered a permanent job with the firm and has now been given the opportunity to undertake further study in Accountancy. Nadia said; “I can definitely say I feel very lucky to have gained this opportunity at CR Smith and I feel I have a good career ahead of me.”"
Junior Engineer
"“I had never had a formal job interview before and part of the Hand Picked Academy was to take part in a mock interview with feedback on how we did. I found this and the all the training really useful. Luckily I received very positive feedback from the course and I was delighted to be offered one of the Apprenticeships with FES after the Academy.”"
"The Hand Picked programme is well thought out and supported and has a lot of synergy with our company values. It is good for the young people concerned, the wider community and also for our business."
Head of Engineering
"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 are constantly looking to bring young people into the business and Hand Picked was something different for us. We go through a lot of CVs, and it is easy to put aside those that don’t instantly seem to fit. But Hand Picked is about giving a chance to those young people you might ordinarily turn down."
Production Supervisor
"Hand Picked came to us over 2 years ago and brought with them a fresh and unique approach to support young job-seekers and create a platform for them to learn important employability skills whilst showcasing themselves to prospective employers. The approach is dynamic, pro-active and extremely professional."
Contracts 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
"Hand Picked takes the time to understand my business and what I need from an employee. The team at Hand Picked have extensive experience in matching the right candidate to your company."
Director