Summer placement initiative allows North Lanarkshire firms to support next generation

EMPLOYERS and businesses in North Lanarkshire are being encouraged to support the next generation by offering paid summer placements in 2025 for local young people.

North Lanarkshire Council’s summer placement programme provides young people – those aged 16 and over – with seven weeks of hands-on experience in a range of sectors – including construction – from late June to mid-August.

Following the programme’s success in 2024, the local authority aims to increase the number of placements in the built environment, as well as digital, and health and social care.

The council explained that the initiative offers firms a valuable opportunity to give something back to their community by helping young people gain essential workplace skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. For companies, it’s also a chance to positively impact the local workforce by supporting young people in developing a strong foundation in the industry.

Councillor Michael McBride, convener of education and families, said, “This programme provides young people with invaluable experience and insight into these sectors while also addressing the pressing workforce needs.

“We are committed to expanding these opportunities, and I urge local businesses to join us in creating new pathways to employment.

“This programme is a great chance for local businesses to show how much their community means to them. We are asking firms in the construction and building industry, digital sector and Health and Social Care environment to participate and help equip our young people with the skills needed to build a stronger future for young people in our area.”

For companies interested, please email: nlacademies@northlan.gov.uk

An employer engagement event will also be hosted on Friday 7 February from 1pm-3pm at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility, where companies will be able to hear more about the summer placement programme – including from employers and young people. To register, click here.