New Deal praised for its professionalism
A special team at the Vale of Glamorgan Council is delivering a
range of projects to help unemployed people gain the work
experience and skills needed for today’s job market.
The New Deal unit, which operates out of the Holm View Centre at
Skomer Road, Barry, has assisted more than 900 local people improve
their prospects of employment and over a third have been successful
in finding work.
And testimony to their success are the views of some of their
clients and people who have benefited:
• “It was really worthwhile. I would recommend it to
others."
• “I found the team very helpful and gained two licences because
of their help.”
• “The team were warm and friendly. Their knowledge and help
exceeded any expectations. A truly superior service which I would
highly recommend.”
• “We were impressed with the professional attitude and the
quality of work achieved by you and your trainees.”
Projects and placements cover carpentry, bike recycling
(pictured), painting and decorating, childcare, retail,
administration and environmental projects.
The unit, which is run by the council's Lifelong Learning
Employment Training Service, was set up in July, 1998.
Individuals have up to 13 weeks to gain skills, experience and
qualifications in their chosen activity, and training manager Pippa
Jones said: "We help our clients with their search for a job, and
an up to date CV, completion of application forms and interview
skills are all part and parcel of the programme."
Client A, who, having spent 17 years caring for a relative, had
lost a lot of confidence and motivation, is an example of the
people being helped by New Deal. Pippa said: "After ongoing
guidance from us, he decided to take on some voluntary work in a
local charity shop and this improved his confidence and gave him
recent work experience.
"With continuing support, he started to apply for work within
the retail sector and has successfully found part-time work with a
large local store."
Since July this year, and thanks to additional government
funding, people living in the Castleland, Court and Gibbonsdown
wards of Barry, and not currently working, are able to gain
immediate access to the programme. New Deal is also able to fund
short courses such as food hygiene and site safety.
Pippa explained: "Working with other local providers (Dash
Training and BTCV Cymru), our community engagement officer is able
to offer practical support to anyone in the three wards who wants
to find a way back to work."
New Deal is actively involved in recycling and sustainability
via all its projects, and Pippa added: "By working with local
groups, our learners put their newly-acquired skills to a practical
use to improve local services."
As an example, painting and carpentry learners, with their
supervisors, improve local facilities like community centres and
local parks, and the bike maintenance learners support the
council’s road safety team in ensuring bicycles used by youngsters
are safe.
For more information on New Deal, contact LLETS at the Holm View
Centre praised for its professionalismon (01446) 721974 or visit
the information desk at the County Library in Barry.
03/12/2007