Scotland Office gives young people’s project thumbs up

Oct 8 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A TRAINING project was given the seal of approval when a Scotland Office Minister paid a visit.

Ann McKechin MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Scotland Office, dropped into BLES in Blackburn, to see how training is carried out.

BLES – the Blackburn Local Employment Scheme – is based in Whitehill Industrial Estate, and provides a range of training to challenging and vulnerable under-18 year olds with a view to getting them into work.

Ms McKechin, spoke to the young trainees and staff who described the work undertaken at the centre and the benefits it provides to the young people who come from all over West Lothian.

BLES manager, John Ewart MBE welcomed Ms McKechin to the centre.

He said: “We are delighted that Ann McKechin took time out from her busy ministerial schedule to visit the centre and meet with the trainees and staff.

“She showed keen interest in the training opportunities provided to the young people and how this benefits them greatly.”

Local Blackburn councillors, George Paul and Jim Swan, who accompanied the minister also welcomed her interest shown in the centre.