The Gathering is a free annual event organised by SCVO to showcase the Third Sector and allow different organisations to meet and learn from each other. This year’s event held at the SECC in Glasgow on 27 and 28 February saw over 120 exhibitors and 50 different workshops and events.
Apex Scotland were invited to sit on the panel at one of the larger workshops led by Angela Constance MSP, Minister for Youth Employment, who spoke about the continuing work to reduce youth unemployment and confirmed the Scottish Government’s support for Community Jobs Scotland (CJS) for another year.
Apex’s Head of Operations, Gerard McEneany, spoke about the positive experiences Apex has had in its involvement in CJS since 2009; in this time the organisation has taken on 62 employees through this initiative. Gerard gave some examples of the benefits to Apex Scotland, the Community and to the young people themselves.
One of Apex’s CJS employees, Kevin Forrest, an administration assistant in Head Office, then spoke of his own experience and the challenge of looking for and securing his first job. Kevin said “ I feel honoured to work with Apex Scotland and enjoy being part of the team”. He explained that this period of employment has increased his confidence and encouraged him to start looking at different options for his future which might include a college course.
The panel were impressed by Kevin’s calm and professional manner while speaking in front of so many people. Apex’s Chief Executive commented that Kevin was “a credit to himself and to Apex”.