Employability

Skills Development Scotland

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is an impartial and confidential service that can help you to explore furthering your education, career opportunities and training. They can provide assistance with guidance interviews, job search, CV’s & applications, further study and interview preparation for employment opportunities.

SDS can help with a wealth of issues, including advice about careers, learning, funding, National Training Programmes, additional support needs and redundancy. Their aim is to provide you with all of the advice and guidance necessary to get the right job or develop your career.

Their new online web service, ‘My World of Work’ aims to help people plan, build and direct their career throughout their lives, whether you’re at the stage of choosing subjects at school, furthering your education, deciding upon, or managing your career, they can help you uncover new opportunities to fulfil your potential.

If you would like to speak to someone locally, Skills Development Scotland have offices in Stornoway and Lionacleit. Please call in or phone to make an appointment:

Skills Development Scotland
Careers Office
30 Francis Street
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2ND

Tel: 01851 708900

Skills Development Scotland
Taigh Cheann a Locha
Lionacleit
Isle of Benbecula
HS7 5PJ

Tel: 01870 604927

Job Centre Plus

Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly. Thousands of new jobs are available every week. You can also look for voluntary work which can help you develop and learn new skills while you're looking for a job.

Jobcentre Plus also have a wide range of information available, including help and advice on finding and applying for a job, starting a new job, claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance and other benefits, as well as voluntary opportunities which can help you develop and learn new skills while you’re looking for employment.

If you would like more information, call in to the local Jobcentre Plus office:

Jobcentre Plus
13-15 Francis Street
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2NA

Tel: 0845 604 3719

Business Gateway

Business Gateway in the Western Isles is based within Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and provides practical information and help for you and your business – whether you are starting out or looking to expand your existing business. Such resources include:

  1. Advice and Support
  2. Information on specific business ideas
  3. General Business Information Factsheets
  4. Business Planning guidance
  5. Marketing guidance
  6. Financial assistance

If you have a new business idea or plans to grow your existing business and would like to find out more please visit www.bgateway.com or contact your nearest Business Gateway office to request information or speak to an Advise

Local Business Gateway Offices

Lewis & Harris

Business Gateway
CnES
James Square
9 James Street
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis

North Uist & Benbecula

Business Gateway
CnES
Development Department
Balivanich
Isle of Benbecula

South Uist & Barra

Business Gateway
CnES
Development Department
Gleus House
Daliburgh
Isle of South Uist