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Workways

Workways is a partnership project between Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Jobcentre Plus and Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service. The project is part financed by the European Social Fund under Objective 1 through the Welsh Assembly Government.

Workways provides long term unemployed and ‘economically inactive’ residents in Neath Port Talbot with a personal development opportunity offering a wage, work experience, training and individual support. Workways beneficiaries can have a temporary work contract for up to 52 weeks, Mentor support, and in work benefit advice – all aimed at increasing employability.

Workways has two main aims:

1. To assist the transition into sustainable employment by overcoming barriers to work whilst exploring various supporting agencies and work opportunities.
2. To provide additional support for New Deal customers.

How is it different to other programmes?

There have been many programmes over the years aiming to reduce the unemployment levels within Neath Port Talbot. The Workways Team have developed a successful mentoring approach and also employs two full time Employer Liaison Officers who work with local employers to identify long term job opportunities.

Every individual referred to Workways will have a dedicated Mentor who will:

• Work with beneficiaries for a minimum of four weeks to explore all options.
• Build a rapport to determine skills, experience and qualities.
• Assist in overcoming barriers to work.
• Identify relevant agencies and organisations to provide support and advice.
• Assist in seeking suitable employment vacancies including help with application forms and interview techniques.

Workways beneficiaries also have the benefit of two Employer Liaison Officers (ELO). The ELO’s main responsibilities are:

• Promoting the benefits of the Workways project to local employers.
• Targeting how and when local employers recruit staff and how Workways can assist the process.
• Identifying the hidden vacancies - the jobs that are not advertised in Jobcentre Plus or local newspapers.
• Creating further temporary positions covering a range of job opportunities.