CnES announces Students Summer Placement Scheme 2016

This new scheme follows the very successful scheme which was administered by Comunn na Gàidhlig and gives Gaelic-speaking students from the Western Isles the opportunity to work for 10 weeks with organisations engaged in Gaelic and community development activity.

This scheme complements the summer placement scheme administered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise for its own clients.

As well as the obvious benefits to the students, the scheme can also be of great benefit to employers who are able to take advantage of the students’ skills over the summer months to the benefit of their organisation.

The scheme also enables employers to assess students with a view to future recruitment.

Chairman of Comataidh Buileachaidh Plana Cànain, John A MacIver said: “The Comhairle is delighted to administer the Greis Gnìomhachais scheme for students in 2016.

“It is important that Gaelic speaking students are given opportunities to use the language in a working environment.

“The scheme also gives students work experience with businesses; arts organisations; community development and the public sector.

“Being employed in their own communities over the summer months increases the probability of them returning to their communities on completion of their studies.

“This is an excellent example of strengthening island communities.”

Bòrd na Gàidhlig interim CEO, Bruce Robertson commented: “We are pleased to continue providing funding that will benefit Gaelic speaking individuals by gaining work experience in a Gaelic speaking environment.

“I know that from my own time as a Director of Education that work experience is a sure way of improving job opportunities.

“Work experience locks in further potential, builds useful skills that cannot be taught in the classroom, as well as establishing contacts that might not otherwise be available.”

Students who would like to take part in this year’s scheme should send an application form to, Sgioba na Gàidhlig, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Sandwick Road, Stornoway by 14 March 2016.

For further information and to download an application form visit: here

or contact [email protected] no [email protected]

Organisations which work through the medium of Gaelic and wish to participate in the scheme should contact Sgioba na Gàidhlig at the Comhairle offices in Stornoway. Telephone: 01851 822615 or on e-mail: [email protected]