Lift programme is on the right track: jobs and training scheme reaches midway milestone

Communities Minister Lesley Griffiths is celebrating the 2,500th job and training opportunity provided through the Welsh Government’s Lift programme.

New figures revealed today show Lift, which helps people living in households where no one has worked for more than six months find a job or undertake training, is halfway towards its ambitious target of providing 5,000 opportunities by the end of 2017.

To mark the milestone, Lesley Griffiths visited Gilfach Goch Community Centre in Rhondda Cynon Taf to meet some of the people who have been helped to overcome the significant barriers they faced to getting a job, such as a lack of qualifications, relevant experience or childcare.

The Minister met 22 year old Shane Williams from Tonyrefail who was receiving Job Seeker’s Allowance and struggling with his job search when Taf West Lift mentor, Sarah Quick, assured him she could help.

Sarah encouraged Shane to take part in the ‘Station 13’ Employability Programme, a partnership between the Lift Programme and the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, which improved Shane’s employability and helped him find a job. With support from his Lift mentors, Shane successfully secured an apprenticeship in the rail sector which has completely changed his life.

Shane said:

“I was losing hope of ever securing a job before I got involved with Lift. My job search was going badly and I was losing confidence. Things in my life have started falling into place since working with the Lift team. Not only am I really enjoying my new apprenticeship – which I hope will lead to a career in the rail industry – but I’ve also just got engaged!”

Lesley Griffiths said:

“Providing 2,500 training and employment opportunities through the Lift programme is a significant milestone. Today’s statistics mean the programme is well on track to meet our ambitious target of providing 5,000 opportunities by the end of 2017.

“The strength of Lift lies in the fact it is tailored to the unique needs of its participants. Mentors provide dedicated one-to-one support to help people identify why they are not in work and help them overcome the barriers they face in getting a job. Issues can include a lack of confidence, no qualifications, a poor employment record or childcare needs.

“As I have seen today, Lift is having a transformative impact on people’s lives – giving people the confidence, skills and information they need to succeed. Congratulations to Shane and all of the other participants I met today!”