Changing Scenes - Welcome

Background

“Changing Scenes” is a unique employability programme using film making, media and the arts as the ‘hook’ or catalyst to motivate people who are currently workless to move towards employment.

An earlier project delivered by BBC Scotland and Highland 2007, “Highland Lives”, invited particiants to prepare a short video clip reflecting their view of living in the Highlands, this was done using a range of equipment and software.

From this, an employability programme was developed and implemented by the Highland Employer Coalition and learndirect scotland, for people living in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The programme was supported by Careers Scotland, Jobcentre Plus, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Highland Council. The programme incorporated a mix of soft skills development, confidence building, certificated training, organisational skills and planning. A number of local employers were invited to input to the programme design and suggested the need for direct employer activity which subsequently became a key element. The programme was called “Highland Lives is Working”.

The creation of Skills Development Scotland, and its absorption of learndirect scotland, Careers Scotland and the Skills team of Highland & Islands Enterprise, provided an opportunity for wider usage, and to reflect this the programme was re named “Changing Scenes” as it was felt more relevant going forward.

The programmes were delivered in learndirect scotland branded learning centres allowing participants to learn in a safe, fun & friendly environment whilst meeting new people. Changing Scenes is a 4 week training programme, delivered on a part time basis (15 hours per week).

Overview

The branded learning centres used a blended learning approach, incorporating tutor led training and the completion of “learning bytes”. Learning bytes are short, flexible modules covering a wide and interesting range of topics. Preparation of the film clips took place throughout the course, helping to develop team working and confidence building. Throughout the timetable participants carried out a range of employability activities. These included CV, interview skills and application information sessions. A locally based employer came to meet the group, this was followed at a later stage by a visit to an employers business premises.

While the 4 week timetable of activities was designed to be challenging the groups involved did manage to complete it and found it helped to emphasise, not what they couldn’t do but what they could.

It is worth noting that participants did not need to have experience or knowledge of using this technology or equipment as full training was given by the learning centre staff. The aim of ‘Changing Scenes’ is not necessarily for the group to produce a technically perfect film but to use the experience of making the film to develop confidence, team working and employability skills. Experience highlighted a group of 6 – 8 as an ideal number.

Eligibility

In the Highlands the programme was open to a wide range of benefit claimants who were disadvantaged or disengaged in the labour market, these were:-

• Incapacity Benefit claimants
• Lone Parents claiming Incapacity Benefit or Income Support
• Long Term Jobseeker Allowance claimants (6 months or more)
• New Deal Participants
• Jobseeker Allowance Claimants with a health condition or disability which they have declared to Jobcentre Plus
• 16 – 18 year olds in receipt of statutory benefits

Contact Us

For more information contact - David Stewart - Director

david.stewart@hiemco.org.uk