Young Members
GCP Pre-Apprenticeships
GCP offers supported Pre-Apprenticeship placements across our Social Enterprises.
Pre-apprenticeships
GCP offers a 6-month paid, entry-level pre-apprenticeship programme for individuals aged 16–30 who are out of work or not currently in formal education.
The programme gives young people the opportunity to develop practical skills, knowledge, confidence and work experience in a supportive environment. Placements are available across our growing social enterprises, including hospitality and catering, woodworking and other practical skills.
Pre-apprentices work alongside experienced staff, gaining hands-on experience while developing the skills they need to take their next steps into employment, further training or an apprenticeship.
Stephen, pictured, is a great ambassador for GCP’s Pre-apprenticeship Programme:
‘I work two full days a week and often have lunch with other Members at the Grassmarket Centre too. There’s something fun and new every day. I love that we work with recycled wood and get to practise with it. We make so many varied things.’
Our Pre-Apprenticeships offer a supported first step into the world of work, combining real experience, learning and mentoring within the trusted environment of GCP.
Pre-Apprentices work alongside our teams in our social enterprises, developing practical skills, confidence and experience while being supported to learn at their own pace and work towards their next steps.
The Pre-Apprenticeship programme includes:
- 16 hours of paid work each week, providing a meaningful introduction to the workplace
- Opportunities to work as a Kitchen Assistant, Café Server or Woodwork Assistant within GCP’s social enterprises
- Real work experience in a supportive, inclusive environment, with opportunities to build skills and confidence at a pace that feels manageable
- Industry-recognised training and qualifications, including areas such as Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and COSHH
- One-to-one mentoring and practical support throughout the placement
- Regular feedback and opportunities to reflect on progress and celebrate achievements
- A personalised learning portfolio to record skills and experience and support planning for future education, training or employment
A pathway, not just a placement
At GCP, we know that everyone starts from a different place. Our Pre-Apprenticeships are designed to build on people’s strengths and interests, creating a bridge between being part of our community and taking the next step towards work, learning or further opportunities.
Sponsor the Young Members Programme
Help transform lives directly by sponsoring a Young Members Activity
Your direct support helps ensure we continue to deliver our essential work to support Edinburgh’s most vulnerable adults. We guarantee at least one of our Members Activities will be the perfect fit for you or your organisation, or both!
Let’s discuss which suits you best and how we can tailor the package and relationship. Join the best of company at THE good place to be.
A BIG THANK YOU
The Grassmarket Community Project’s Young Members Programme relies on the generosity of our customers, funders and donors. Our key funders for this area of our work are Capital City Partnership, The Robertson Trust and Hub Community Foundation’s Building Brighter Futures Fund. We thank them for their essential continued support.
