Meet Team NPT
Jamie Fenaroli, Social Worker, Dyffryn Children’s Community Team
“I joined NPT’S Children’s Services Department as a Newly Qualified Social Worker in 2013. I became a Deputy Team Manager in 2016 and commenced my current role as a Team Manager in 2018. I recognise how fortunate I am to work for a local authority that actively promotes, encourages and takes pride in the personal and professional development and progression of its staff. An extensive training programme and well embedded formal and informal support and supervision processes play a pivotal role in this. “The best part of my job is, undoubtedly, being able to work alongside likeminded colleagues at all levels of the service who are passionate and committed. I value my career here and would urge anyone considering a role here to apply to join our team.”
Beth Parker, Green Infrastructure Project Manager
“Working for the council is great, it’s really flexible and it feels really wonderful doing something for your local community. I used to work in the private sector and the difference there is that you don’t do something that’s for your local area. At the council, you feel like you’re having a big impact and taking part in something that matters. “There are so many job roles at the council – I work in the wildlife team and we’re just one tiny sector of the countryside team, which is an even bigger part of another team. There’s such a wide range of careers that you can move from job to job and get a huge breadth of experience.”
Anthony Boyle, Complex Health Team, Brynamlwg Special Needs
“I have worked for the local authority for approximately 18 years now, starting as a junior which would have been a day service worker. I progressed through the ranks and roles with in-house and external training. “If you are thinking of having a career in the care industry, I would encourage you to join the local authority because it offers lots of support, amazing training, both external and on the job training and you will feel very valued by the council.”
Lucas Williams, Trading Standards Team Leader
“I started off as a trainee Trading Standards Officer and the council has given me a career and I’ve progressed through the ranks to become team leader of the trading standards section. The council has paid for all my training and my personal development. “NPT are very supportive to their staff. They will help them develop, and they will help them develop into professionals like I have and will actually help their personal development within those professions as well, so that they can realise their ambitions.”
Lloyd Harris, Trainee, Lost Peatlands Project
“I studied Geography at university and was finding it hard to get into environmental jobs in the area. I then came across this opportunity on the council website. It wasn’t the type of job I expected a council to have. “I’ve been up mountains, going into schools and teaching children, and generally getting lots of experience in the environmental sector. I was surprised to see the different types of jobs the council had on offer across many sectors that I never really thought they would be involved in. It’s been a brilliant opportunity for me to get a start in my chosen career.”
Nita Sparkes, Digital Services
“I joined the council 18 years ago when my kids were two and four. I was able to benefit from the flexi time scheme which meant I was able to take them to school and then I did one pickup in the week which was great. “Fortunately, we have more than one location which means, depending on where you live, one of our buildings could be accessible. I’ve been fortunate to live in between the two big ones so I’ve been able to get to cycle to work in 10 minutes. We’ve got lockers and shower facilities, which all came about from staff consultations. They listen to what we need.”
Shelby Martone, Community Mental Health Team
“I’m not from Neath but when I come to work, I really enjoy just walking around the town. It’s nice to know that you’re helping the people that are around you. I would definitely encourage someone to apply for a job within the council. They have so many benefits for colleagues – there’s progression and there’s stability. It’s a job for life and it opens up so many avenues for you.”