Placements are working out well for city’s jobless
HUNDREDS of people are gaining valuable experience in the workplace thanks to two Swansea Council initiatives that help them find work.
The Workways+ scheme offers training, paid work experience and volunteering opportunities to unemployed people over 25 to help them improve their lives and find employment.
It has already supported more than 1,000 people living in Swansea. Some have benefited from paid work experience opportunities in the council’s waste department.
As part of the council’s economic recovery plan and in response to the impact of the pandemic, the council is now offering more than 300 paid work placement opportunities to unemployed people through Workways+ and fellow employment scheme Kickstart.
These opportunities are available across a range of roles in local businesses and organisations, with more than 100 positions at the council itself.
The UK Government’s Kickstart has seen more than 20 new recruits join teams such as parks, building services, waste management and security.
All recruits are supported by department managers, with further support being provided by a team of experienced mentors and employer liaison officers in the council’s economic development and external funding team.
The support provided has been key to help young people realise their potential, increase their skills and maximise their chances of accessing employment opportunities following their placement.
Craig Cherrington, 39, of Morriston, began a Workways+ placement with the council’s waste management team in June. He said: “This opportunity has been excellent – it’s got me back into work and has boosted my confidence.
“I love working with the team in the council’s recycling centre and get so much out of the fact that I’m working with the public and enjoying what I do.
“The support given by the Workways+ team is amazing; they’ve been there the whole time, helping me on this journey and giving me this amazing opportunity.
“I’d recommend Workways+ to everyone on benefits as it really is a way of getting you back into work and back on track. Go for it, it’ll change your life!”
Raymond Davies, 18, of Townhill, began a Kickstart placement with the council’s waste management team in July. He said: “Kickstart has turned my life around and has helped me out a lot.
“If a young person’s struggling to find work, I recommend speaking to their work coach. My placement is going really well, I’m learning different things and I’m happy where I am, hoping to get a full-time job. I get along with all the other workers and everyone’s decent.”
Cllr Robert Francis-davies, council cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “We want to help Swansea people into work. Kickstart and Workways+ may be the schemes for many people and businesses. This type of initiative is helping Swansea to lead the way out of the pandemic. Our city’s £1bn regeneration programme will also be a major driver of future success.”
Cllr Alyson Pugh, cabinet member for supporting communities, said: “I’m delighted that young people joining the council on this scheme feel so positively about our work with Kickstart.
“Workways+ is also proving to be popular and successful.”
Employers and young people interested in considering Kickstart’s sixmonth job opportunities in Swansea can find out more at www.swansea.gov.uk/ kickstartscheme. Inquiries to kickstart@ swansea.gov.uk, 01792 637112.
To find out more about Workways+ phone 01792 637112 or log on to www. workways.wales.