Thanks to the help of South West Workways, David Cooper from Llanelli has fulfilled a lifelong ambition to work as a carer.
49 year old David had always aspired to work in the care sector. However, as it wasn’t seen as a traditional career path for a man in the 1980’s, he sacrificed his ambition to pursue a job which would “put food on the table and pay the bills”.
As a result, David found himself working in warehousing for over 24 years. His days were spent driving forklift trucks, delivering parcels and dealing with customers. When he was made redundant in 2011 he decided he was ready to pursue the career he had always wanted.
Having been referred to Workways, an employment project which is backed with £12.6 million from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, David explained to his mentor his ambition to work in care.
Together they spent time writing application forms, developing his CV and honing his interview technique.
“At first Workways helped me to write a CV. As I was in my last job for 24 years, I’d never had one and I didn’t know where to begin. They also showed me how the skills I’d picked up over the years were transferrable to a job in care. Little did I know I already had the right experience.”
Despite an early setback (David was very disappointed after not getting the first job for which he interviewed) he was delighted to be offered a job as a support worker with GRS Care in Gorslas. In his new role, David assists adults with learning difficulties in their daily lives.
David said “It’s the people who make the job so rewarding. Now, I’m doing something that I enjoy and there are other people benefitting too. I’m still learning as well, which is great. I’ve got courses coming out of my ears.”
Workways Regional Project Manager Marjorie Bartlett added “One of the factors that makes Workways a success is the one to one support we offer. This means that we are able to get to know our participants so we can help them to find jobs they are best suited to.”
South West Workways is led by Neath Port Talbot Council in collaboration with Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Swansea Councils.
For more information visit www.workways.co.uk or call 01554 744322
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
