Launch for new employment programme

A major EU-funded project which works with long term unemployed and economically inactive people to help them overcome barriers to employment and volunteering is to start in Pembrokeshire.

The Workways+ Project will be launched with an open day on Monday, 26th September at 19 Old Bridge, Haverfordwest SA61 2EZ (the former tourist information centre).

The event will be held between 10am and 2pm and whether you are looking for work, supporting people looking for work, or an employer looking to recruit, you are welcome to come and meet the team and find out about the project.

The Workways+ Project is part funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government. It is delivered through Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot (Lead Sponsor) Local Authorities.

The project will build on the success of the first EU-backed Workways project which helped 600 people in Pembrokeshire move into employment between 2009 and 2015.

If you are unable to attend the open day or you would like more information about the Workways+ Project please give the team a call on: 01437 776609 or email: workwaysplus@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

More about Workways+

Support for People in Pembrokeshire

Workways+ works with participants to find out about their experience, current situation and what they want to achieve.

It looks at what support they are currently getting, what other support they may be eligible for and make sure they are accessing it should they wish to.

It also puts together an action plan for the participant. As part of that action plan Workways+ can support with various options such as:

• Work related training and qualifications – relevant to the work area they are interested in and the opportunities available.
• Exploring bespoke training delivered through Norman Industries in areas such as Woodworking & Joinery, General Maintenance, Area & Grounds Maintenance, Customer Service and Administration
• Confidence building & soft skills
• Access to volunteering opportunities through our Volunteering Development Coordinator
• The support of an Employer Liaison Officer who will work with local businesses to identify opportunities specifically for the participant
• Create work experience and paid work experience placements

All the way through the participant will have the support of their Employment Mentor who will take them through their action plan and help the participant with the basic employability tools and skills required to compete in today’s labour market and to help them to achieve their end goals.

Support for employers in Pembrokeshire

Workways+ Employer Liaison Officers will support businesses in Pembrokeshire to support local people.

Employer Liaison Officers will ensure a successful link with local companies, to assist with recruitment and access any available support by:

• Liaising with representatives of organisations to establish available roles
• Assisting with job descriptions
• Advertising the vacancies to a pool of suitable candidates
• Supporting the scheduling of recruitment days and facilitating recruitment venues
• In some cases creating a temporary job opportunity within a business, subsidising a participant’s wages for an agreed period
• Looking at the most effective way of recruiting the best candidate for the job – work trials and taster days
• Preparing potential candidates with suitable training and work experience
• Ensuring all business support avenues are explored to assist with recruitment, training, staff retention and ongoing assistance
• Working in partnership with employers, building a long term business relationship to assist your ongoing recruitment needs

Caption
An open day for a new employment programme, Workways+, is to be held on 26th September in Haverfordwest. Pictured are Natalie Morgan & Gillian Nunnery – Employment Mentors for Workways+.