YOURS ‘interviews helped build confidence’

A RECENT “speed dating-style” interview event saw jobseekers in the Caerphilly county borough practise their interview skills, whilst also aiming to secure a work placement opportunity.

The event, held at Tredomen Innovation Centre, was organised by the teams delivering the Welsh Government Communities for Work and Lift employment support programmes at Caerphilly County Borough Council, the Communities for Work programme funded by the European Social Fund.

Caerphilly Homes, the council team responsible for delivering housing services throughout the county borough, were one of the employers interviewing candidates at the event, along with a number of suppliers and contractors including Robert Price Builders’ Merchants, Nuaire, I&N Watts , E-On, Elite, SAM Drylining plus Caerphilly-based training and employment pathway provider Train and Grow.

Councillor Lisa Phipps, the council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Places, said: “This event provided a wide range of opportunities for participants signed up to Communities for Work and Lift programmes.

“As well as helping to develop skills at interview, it also helped build confidence and, rather than being mock interviews, there were real opportunities available with employers.

“Feedback on the event from both participants and employers has been really positive, with employers now making contact with successful candidates to offer them work placement positions.”

For more information about Communities for Work or Lift employment support programmes in the Caerphilly county borough contact Andrew Griffiths, senior employment mentor, on 01443 866392 or by emailing commfirst@caerphilly.gov.uk