NPT School Ambassadors

Getting back to work - Mark's story

Doors open for Mark

Workways+ continues to charge forward successfully supporting people overcome complex barriers which prevent them from finding employment. One such success story is 41 year old Mark from Neath Port Talbot.

Mark was referred to Workways+ by Jobcentre Plus in May 2017 having not worked for over 10 years. Mark has already made great progress having completed a number of courses, however struggled to take the next step in finding and securing employment due to a number of barriers; lack of transportation, lack of confidence, trust issues and family commitments.

Mark’s mentor Anthony supported him from the outset, building a clear picture of Mark’s individual needs, building his self-esteem and confidence and steering him in the right direction to achieve his goal of finding work within his chosen career of Engineering. When Mark was ready he was introduced to Workways+ Employer Liaison Officer Lesley who worked with him to identify a potential place of work.

Lesley secured Mark a two day work trial with Rhino Doors, a company based in Port Talbot who specialise in the manufacture and installation of performance rated sliding, folding and side hinged doors. Mark made an excellent impression on Rhino Doors during those two days and was subsequently offered a three month paid work opportunity funded by Workways+.  During this time Mark further developed his skillset and completed Counter Balance Forklift Truck training, thanks to Workways+.

Mike Winchcombe from Rhino Doors said “Mark has settled down well and has not been afraid of taking on a challenge. I am sure Mark will have a great future ahead”. Rhino Doors were so impressed by Mark’s commitment to work and his problem solving skills, they made him an offer of employment on the 1^st March this year. Mark was thrilled and accepted the position immediately.  Mark said “things are going well in work, I am happy but most importantly I feel trusted by my employer which has given me confidence and motivated me to continue to improve my knowledge and experience”.

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An Enterprise Club success story

When Ryan Kelly was made redundant after the closure of the packaging factory he worked in for 32 years he did not waste time in building a new life for himself.

Two years after the demise of Neath’s “Metal Box” (Crown Packaging) factory, he is now the boss of two successful businesses – Neath Cleaning Solutions and Ryan Kelly Tree and Garden Services.

And his two new businesses are growing, both being twice as busy this year as they were in their first year – the extra customer traffic being helped by Britain’s summer heatwave which meant people wanted to spruce up their patios and gardens.

Ryan, now 49, who lives in Bryncoch, had always envisaged going into business on his own and looked on his redundancy settlement as a means of realising his dream.

But he needed help.

He attended Neath Port Talbot Council’s Enterprise Club, based at Port Talbot’s Sandfields Business Centre, where he received a start-up information pack and got support with business planning and funding.

Ryan had the vision to start two different companies and to help him on his way he received an innov8 grant of £1,000 to help with start-up costs and a £500 UK Steel Enterprise-NPTCBC grant funding support to help with other costs.

Ryan said: “I ploughed my own redundancy settlement into a van and I also bought equipment for high-reach pure water cleaning and jet-washing with those funds and with the help of the innov8 start-up grant.

“I’m extremely grateful for the help I received at Sandfields Business Centre. This included business ideas and advice given there by staff on what to do and what not to do, the people I met in similar situations to me who had gone on to set up businesses and general advice on how to plan and handle the finance side of things.”

“It’s onwards and upwards from here on.”

A fresh start for Kelly

Community benefits - Steffan's story

Steffan is studying for his BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Civil Engineering at Neath College, and started working for Dawnus during his summer break on a paid 6 week work placement on the Ystylafera School site.

When delivering major projects and infrastructure developments such as this one, the Council works closely with the contractor to ensure as many local people and businesses benefit from the investment.

The Council’s Community Benefits Officer works with the main contractor to ensure people like Steffan are given opportunities for training and employment, and also puts the main contractor in touch with local businesses to supply materials or tender for contracts.

Steffan’s placement involved working as a labourer on the site, working closely with the site and plant operatives. As a result of his hard work and enthusiasm, Steffan was offered a permanent role on the Ystalyfera project. He now works as part of the site operative team, attending college two days a week to complete his BTEC course.

Dawnus Project Manager Tom Rees has been impressed with Steffan’s work and has put him forward for the Dawnus Engineering Apprentice Scheme, which he will start when he completes his current course.

Steffan who lives in Godre’rgraig said: “Dawnus has allowed me to work close to home and put the steps in place for me to progress to become a fully qualified Engineer.”

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