Old Fire Station to support people onto job ladder

Work is underway to turn the old Aberavon fire station building into a community based Employability Centre to help local people into jobs.

Port Talbot based CJ construction is on site and the work is expected to be completed by the end of April next year.

The £370k project presents a real opportunity to not only bring a derelict but prominent building back into use, but to develop a community regeneration project, providing services to the local population within their own community.

The centre is located within the Aberavon Communities first cluster area and in close proximity to the town centre and central transport links making it an ideal venue to provide accessible services to people including those furthest from the job market.

The Centre will provide a range of employment and support services and community facilities, including pre-employment courses, mentoring and vocational workshops.

There will also be office space for rent, hot desking facilities and spaces for use by community groups.

It is one of eleven projects which will see over £30m invested in and around Port Talbot as part of a three year regeneration programme.

Neath Port Talbot Council secured £10.1million funding from the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places (VVP) programme to undertake a number of Regeneration projects in the town centre, working alongside key partners.

In delivering the regeneration projects, there is an emphasis on providing additional training and employment opportunities.

CJ construction is employing two apprentices on this project.

Thomas Ramsey, a carpentry apprentice, started working for CJ as a labourer and has now progressed to a Level 2 carpentry apprenticeship.  The contract to turn this derelict building into a community employment centre means that he can continue his apprenticeship and develop valuable, onsite experience as he progresses to become a skilled tradesperson.

Joseff Williams is undertaking a Level 3 Diploma in Construction and Civil Engineering.  He currently works on site for 4 and a half days and another half day in college.  Joseff, from Jersey Marine, Neath, wants to progress into a project manager role.

He said:” This project is a great opportunity for me to progress and to experience a build from start to finish. “

Councillor Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said:” I am pleased to see the old fire station building brought back into good use for the benefit of the local community.

“Creating local job opportunities is one of our key priorities and it is great to see apprentices employed on this project to gain as much experience as possible.”

Once completed, the Employability Centre will be managed by NSA Afan.