345 residents in Ceredigion have been supported back into work in the last three years.

Communities for Work+ started in Ceredigion in April 2018. Since then, the project has supported 345 residents to end of May with a variety of mechanisms to get them back into work. The project has supported 104 of these back into full-time work.

Lionel Plant tells of his story and how Communities for Work+ helped to turn his life around. “In April 2020, my life was turned upside down when I was told I was being laid off due to no work coming in with the coach company I was working for. I was told about Communities for Work+ through word of mouth. I got in touch with Delor a Mentor from Communities for Work+ and then the ball started rolling. Delor has helped me every step of the way and I am very grateful for her support and help, from doing the theory test and then moving forwards to the practical for my HGV licence. I failed the practical which I found rather hard, but passed the second time. Delor was helpful at re-arranging everything. I am so happy that I have been given a second chance and grateful to Communities for Work+ for such opportunity. I now have a full time job working as a tipper driver for a local company. Life is so much better thanks to Communities for Work+!”            

Communities for Work+ can provide employment support with:

  • Job search
  • Updating a CV
  • Help with job applications
  • Mock interviews
  • Confidence building
  • Access to a network of employers

Councillor Catrin Miles, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for Schools, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Support and Intervention, said: “It’s heart-warming to hear of Lionel’s story and that he is now back in work. Practical support from Communities for Work+ is invaluable for people experiencing unemployment, especially during these difficult times. Communities for Work+ is here to support Ceredigion residents.”

Communities for Work+ Ceredigion is staffed by officers from Ceredigion County Council and is funded by the Welsh Government. They can fund training, licenses /certificates, work clothes, personal protective equipment (PPE), interview clothes and travel costs.

If you would like to find out more, call one of the mentors on 01545 574193, email TCC-EST@ceredigion.gov.uk or visit the Council’s website, www.ceredigion.gov.uk and search ‘Ceredigion Employability Support’.

08/07/2021