‘We had loads of jobs but not enough people to fill them’
How one Welsh employer worked with Jobcentre Plus to give young people a new start – and valuable experience
Screenprinting business Paul Bristow Associates is just one of the employers who’ve worked with Jobcentre Plus to fill vacancies.
The family-run firm, based in Wrexham, produces textiles including T-shirts and printed bags – and they’ve been keen to attract younger people to roles.
“One of the issues we have is the perception of manu facturing as being something we used to do in the Victo rian age but no longer,” says director Ben Bristow.
“Of course that’s not the case – but it made it hard to attract young people. Working with Jobcentre Plus gave us the ability to get more young people into the business and provide them with a good grounding in print and textiles.
“Our staff collaborated really well with the team at Jobcentre Plus, who gave excellent support and deserve high praise indeed.”
HR manager Lee Dixon, 35, agrees: “The people who work there have done a fantastic job. It’s not been easy through Covid and the fact they’ve managed to help people into work is great.
“It’s also massively helpful to us as an employer, given there are loads of jobs but not enough people to fill them. Through working with the team at Jobcentre Plus we’ve built up a great rapport. They’ve been first-class.”
“Our recruits have been a massive help in bringing in valuable skills to our business,” says Lee.
“We’ve had them working in packing, admin, sewing and sales. Another guy has got a position in sustainability after he