Jobless benefit from Bulford Road

Four unemployed people have recently benefitted from an unique community work experience scheme.

The four were given on-the-job training at the Bulford Road Improvement Project thanks to a commitment by Pembrokeshire County Council to promote Community Benefit Clauses in all of its procurement opportunities

Futureworks – part of the County Council’s Regeneration service – worked with the main contractor of the Bulford Road Improvement project, Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd, to put together a learning package that helps fulfil part of the contractor’s Community Benefit commitment.

The company organised three days of supervised work experience on the Bulford Road site for the four unemployed people after which they undertook a NVQ exam in health and safety in the construction industry. Three of them then went on take a CSCS (construction skills certification scheme) test at the Construction Industry Training Board centre in Haverfordwest. Both tests were funded by the company.

The four jobless, who are all from the County, were identified for the support package by Futureworks, working with local organisations through the Pembrokeshire Employer Support Group and Pembrokeshire Skills Network.

Three – Philip Coaker, Chris McCluckie and Joseph Jackson – were taking part in one of Futurework’s programmes designed to help people of all ages back into work, while the fourth Aaron Lincoln was put forward from a local job centre.

All four have now progressed into work with local employers at Stackpole Estate, All Seasons Landscaping, Valero and a local scaffolding company.

Pembrokeshire County Council promotes Community Benefit Clauses in all of its procurement opportunities in line with Welsh Government’s Community Benefit policy, which aims to help contribute to Welsh Government’s ambition for jobs growth and tackling poverty in Wales.

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Pictured are: Fran Wisby Flexible, Support Fund Personnel Advisor; Chris McLuckie and Tony Smiles, Futureworks Manager PCC.

*The WBL and BLF schemes are part funded by the European Social Fund through the Convergence programmes for West Wales and the Valleys 2007-2013.