Two “exciting” vocational training initiatives have launched in North Ayrshire to help improve employability.

The Changing Room and Hasta Barista initiatives began last month on November 25 and November 4 respectively.

Each programme will allow people struggling with employability to gain customer service and barista skills and qualifications.

Both are open to people who are involved with the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Children, Families and Justice Services.

Councillor Margaret Johnson, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We are excited to be able to offer these opportunities to those using our services and have been really impressed by the skills on show so far at the launch events.

“The chance to gain industry level qualifications, as well as the boost in confidence that being involved in these projects will bring, will help to remove barriers to employment and increase the number of those involved with our Children, Families and Justice services moving on to positive destinations.

“We look forward to rolling out more these innovative community projects in the future.”

Changing Rooms kicked off on Friday with an event in Ardeer Youth and Community Centre in Stevenston which saw Provost Anthea Dickson cut a ribbon to celebrate the launch.

Aimed at young people aged 14 to 26, Hasta Barista is based at Meadowcroft in Irvine and allows participants to achieve an industry recognised certificate in barista skills.

Changing Room will be based within the Justice Services offices at Third Avenue in Irvine where there are plans to turn the project into a small shop within the facility.

Both projects were set up in partnership with Developing Young Workforce Ayrshire.