The Communities for Work Plus programme here in Wrexham is going from strength to strength and has continued to operate online throughout the pandemic. Since last August it has helped 280 people move into work!
Joe Cade is just one excellent example of how the programme has opened a new door to a new career and a new job.
Joe was referred to Communities for Work Plus in September of last year and was unsure of which path to follow for a future career.
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Joe was quickly supported by Julie Edwards, one of our mentors at Communities for Work Plus, Joe said “Julie was great, she recommended a Fork Lift Truck training course which I hadn’t considered before. I wasn’t sure at first, but she reassured me and I’m glad that she did.”
Julie said, ”Joe embraced a completely new career direction from his original plan and even though it has been a very difficult year he took on new challenges which he’d never even thought of.”
The project works with Gatewen Training Services to provide some of our vocational training courses such as Fork Lift Truck training for warehouse work and Construction Skills Certification Scheme for the construction industry.
Julian Hughes Company Director at Gatewen Training Services said “Joe is now joining the delivery team at Gatewen Training Services through the Government’s Kick Start scheme, with a view to completing the Level 3 Award in Education and Training and the Fork Lift Training Instructor programme.”
Cllr Terry Griffiths, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said “Joe shows what can be achieved by signing up to the Communities for Work Plus programme.
“We’ve focused on short training courses that target local skill shortages and therefore lead quickly into employment through close working relationships with local employers. This is a great story that shows that our approach is working”
Communities for Work Plus has worked with 19 employers, including JCB to provide employment opportunities or tailored employment support to our participants.
Since August 2020, 280 people have been supported into employment by the programme, 63 people have gained work related qualifications including CSCS Cards, Fork Lift Truck licences, First Aid, Asbestos Awareness, SIA Licence (Security), STILLs (Teaching Assistants), LGV Training and Social Care and at least 43 people have gone into employment as a direct result of attending this funded training.
Craig Weeks, General Manager JCB Transmissions Wrexham, said “It’s great to be able to work collaboratively with Wrexham CBC and Communities for Work Plus to support local people back into employment.”
These courses are sometimes the first qualification that some people have gained since leaving school and are a great confidence boost to continue on to other training or go straight into work.
Several have been supported by an IT loan scheme which has helped them access and complete online training. This scheme is offered through Digital Communities Wales who provide the loan of equipment on a short term basis to help reduce digital exclusion.
How to get in touch and on your way to a new career
It’s now easier than ever to access the programme and receive employment support from Communities for Work Plus.
- You can text CFW to 66777 to access a link to the Communities for Work Plus referral form. One of the Triage Officers will then get in touch regarding the help that is needed.
- You can also contact the programme through Facebook at Communities for Work or Cymunedau am Waith
- Drop an email to cfw@wrexham.gov.uk
- Telephone 07976 200413 or 07976 200414
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