MacMillan Skills Hub moves home

Written by the Capital City Partnership team 

The MacMillan Skills Hub was established in 2023.  Part of Capital City Partnership, it was created to make links between jobseekers and the significant regeneration work taking place in the north of Edinburgh including the waterfront development and the Forth Green Freeport.   

 

The Skills Hub was initially located in the Muirhouse Millenium Centre, which enabled staff to make good connections with other organisations and the local community.  However, it was always intended to be one of the core services offered as part of the new MacMillan Hub, a focal point in the regeneration work.  During September 2024, the team were able to move into the new space and play an important part in bringing this new facility to life. 

 

The building known as the MacMillan Hub is situated on the doorstep of the housing estates of Pilton, Muirhouse and Drylaw, intentionally in the heart of the community and with good bus links connecting to other parts of the city.  Being a key part of new development in the area, it is very visible, and is accessible for all, offering a library which is eventually to be joined by a café and arts space.   

 

The Hub space is intended to bring people of all ages together, offering learning and social opportunities for parents and children and supporting digital inclusion.  Youth interventions are offered through a range of partners, encouraging young people into positive activities.  The co-location of services supports a joined-up approach, which is already helping to reveal and therefore address the gaps in what is needed.     

 

The MacMillan Skills Hub situated within the building is funded through UKSPF, and benefits from broad eligibility criteria.  This enables an open-door policy and flexible approach to working with the public, ensuring maximum reach.  The Hub also works with lots of New Scots, who want to find out more about sponsorships and visas, as well as being interested in developing their English skills.  

 

Since launching, a lot of the support that the Skills Hub has been delivering has been focussed on individuals who are close to being ready for work and who have been benefitting from assistance with finding vacancies, writing applications and preparing for interviews.  Staff have also found that offering interview support has been a particular focus and a successful one.  Interview support is sometimes delivered in group workshops, which in in turn acts as a confidence-building exercise for those involved. 

 

The Hub has been working closely with Community Renewal and referrals are coordinated between the two organisations to ensure that individuals receive the appropriate support for their needs.  The Skills Hub also provides a follow-up service for Vocational Training Framework (VTF) courses run by Capital City Partnership.  Through VTF, individuals complete a training programme tailored to a specific sector and inclusive of a guaranteed interview.  Where relevant, they are then offered the opportunity to receive Skills Hub support to progress into employment.  This is particularly helpful for individuals who have additional barriers to tackle before moving into work.  The Skills Hub also liaises between employers and candidates to match people with roles.  

 

Partnerships are key to the work of the Skills Hub, for example working with Smart Works and Grassroots to support people with appropriate clothing for interviews and starting work.  In addition, the Hub are grateful to Robertson Construction, who have kindly donated ten tablet computers to Macmillan to ensure that the clients can complete their job applications more efficiently.  

 

There are a number of sectors that MacMillan clients show a particular interest in.  These include retail, support work, and health and social care.  In addition, IT and software development as well as data analysis are often asked about as they are seen as particularly attractive to young people.  The team would be keen to talk to any employers or organisations who would be interested in working together on apprenticeships as many of their clients are keen to combine work and study as they build their skills for their chosen career. 

 

As the regeneration work continues, the Skills Hub are pleased to be established in their new home and look forward to continuing to make connections with individuals and employers in the area.  To find out more about Macmillan Skills Hub or to get in touch, you can visit the website here MacMillan Skills Hub.