New workplace initiatives lead to factory jobs

Scottish home improvements company, CR Smith, welcomed seven new recruits to its manufacturing plant in Fife this summer. The new team members all joined the company through cross-industry jobs initiatives that support people into work.

In partnership with DWP Fife, Kingdom Works and Fife College, CR Smith helped to create a new manufacturing skills academy and work experience programme introducing people to roles in despatch, warehousing and production. According to CR Smith, the collaboration proved a big success with six securing jobs in the fabrication and machine shop at the end of the programme.

Ebony Keatings, an 18-year old former Beath High School pupil who was mentored by manufacturing director, Colin Eadie, as part of the Career Ready programme, has also taken up a permanent role at the company after being given an initial four-week work placement.

Colin Bain, head of manufacturing, said: “Helping people, whether unemployed or just out of school, into work is something we are deeply committed to. If we can introduce them to a career in manufacturing, we also know that we can support our own company development and aspirations, so these programmes are very important.

“These two initiatives have been very successful, not least because those taking part are determined to work. The individuals in the skills academy showed their willingness to learn and showed great initiative, while Ebony is full of determination and has a tremendous work ethic. I’m delighted that they have now joined us and know that they are welcomed and supported by everyone at CR Smith.”