Woodwork project to carve out new opportunities

A pilot woodwork project to create employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities has been given the go-ahead by Neath Port Talbot Councillors.

The 12 month pilot proposes to create a partnership between the Council’s Vocational Skills Centre and an established social enterprise, Cyfle-i-Dyfu, that creates and sells wood products.

The aims of the pilot fit in with both Cyfle-i-Dyfu’s plans for expansion due to high demand and the Vocational Skills Centre’s aspirations to diversify the training it is able to provide for its participants with disabilities.

Part of the proposal is to allow the social enterprise to use the Centre’s wood shop in return for training participants in the carpentry trade. Cyfle-i-Dyfu’s skilled carpentry team and commercial experience will not only enable participants to gain accredited qualifications, but also help them to learn the administration and marketing skills needed to run a successful business.

If approved, the project aims to become self-sustaining by generating an income through selling the products online and at trade shows.

The pilot would add to a number of successful projects already being run from the Centre in Neath Abbey, including bicycle furniture making, glass recycling and a sandwich service.

Cllr Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said: “Improving outcomes and consequently improving lives for people supported by our adult social services is one of our top priorities.

“Providing credible employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities is crucial to this and learning a skilled trade such as carpentry can only be good news for the participants in terms of helping them to be as independent as possible.

“We must ensure that we continue to identify such opportunities presented through partnership working.”