Local Community Hub welcomes Llanelli man into the IT crowd

Thanks to the support of EU backed employment project Workways+ Leighton Brennan has secured a voluntary placement at Kidwelly Community Hub.

Leighton was referred to Workways+ by Llanelli Job Centre and he was very eager to re-enter the world of work after claiming Job-Seekers allowance since 2007.

With a passion for IT, a varied employment history and a large dose of enthusiasm and motivation, Leighton worked closely with his Workways+ mentor, Lee Richards, and his Employment Liaison Officer, Sally Davies, in order to firstly secure a voluntary placement at Kidwelly Community Hub to help him re-gain his confidence and gain new skills to help him on his route to employment in the future.

Fiona Hobden, Director of Ynghyd CIC which manages the Hub, said “We have been so impressed with Leighton’s efforts and work since he started his placement with us at the beginning of August. Leighton has already had a positive impact on the Hub and its activities. We are delighted to have Leighton as part of the team and we will support him with further IT and Business training.”

Lee Richards, Workways+ mentor stated “Leighton has engaged incredibly well with Workways+ and he has made the most of the opportunities offered to him. Staff from Workways+ Carmarthenshire will continue to support Leighton through his voluntary placement and look for other future opportunities for him.”

Leighton said “Workways+ has helped me gain back my confidence and are helping me to achieve my goal of returning to work. I am so grateful to Workways + for their encouragement and support. The Kidwelly Community Hub has made me feel so welcome and part of the team which is a great feeling.”

Workways+ is led by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, in collaboration with Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Swansea Councils. It aims to tackle the barriers that prevent individuals from finding employment. The project works with participants to gain the necessary skills and training required to get them work ready whilst working with local businesses to source vacancies that can be matched with participants looking to get back into the labour market. Workways is backed with almost £9 million from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.