Thousands of people are being helped to find work by specialist Swansea Council services.

More than 3,500 people were given advice, training or other opportunities by the council’s suite of employability programmes last year (note: 2021).

More than 600 of them got jobs in and around Swansea through the programmes – Workways+, Communities for Work and Communities for Work Plus, Kickstart, Cam Nesa, Swansea Working and start-up grant funding for new businesses.

Council cabinet member Alyson Pugh said: “We’re improving peoples’ lives – and helping local businesses as Swansea leads Wales out of the pandemic.

“Our specialist employability officers run a number of successful projects that help people get ready for work and it’s good to see them working so well.”

Lauren Ellis and Anna Costantini are among those who have been helped.

Lauren, aged 36, of Hendy, found success with Workways+. She underwent training and was then helped to find work with South Wales construction firm R&M Williams. She’s now working on Swansea Council’s transformation of the city centre’s historic Palace Theatre building.

She said: “As a single mum of three young children, I needed regular daytime hours and wanted to work in administration.

“Council officers got me a work trial with R&M Williams, supported me throughout and now I’m really enjoying my permanent role with the company; it offers me good opportunities to progress.”

Anna, 37, of Blaenymaes, Swansea, found success with Communities for Work Plus. She underwent training and was then helped to find work with Swansea-based security firm PSM.

She said: “The council team were a big help in me getting door supervisor qualifications and other training. After periods of unemployment over 15 years, I’m now working in the Civic Centre and have got my life back on track.”

Workways+ is a project that helps Swansea people aged over 25 who are long-term or short-term unemployed. It offers them training, paid work experience and volunteering opportunities. Workways+ has been supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

Communities for Work helps those aged 16 and over living in Swansea, who are not in employment, education or training and who face complex barriers to employment. It’s a Welsh Government programme supported by the European Social Fund.

Communities for Work Plus supports anyone aged 16-plus who’s been unemployed for less than a year. It helps them access training and employment opportunities. The programme is funded by the Welsh Government.

Kickstart helps those on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. It’s part of the UK Government’s plan for jobs across England, Scotland and Wales.

Cam Nesa was a European-funded project supporting Swansea people aged 16-24 who are not in employment, education or training and who live outside a Communities First area.

People who have received help and support from a Swansea Council employability initiative can, where appropriate, access various jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities through the council’s Beyond Bricks and Mortar scheme. This links into the many regeneration projects, including 21^st century schools, housing and highway improvements across the city. 

A number of the council’s employability projects sit under its Swansea Working banner. This scheme works with partners to help citizens access relevant training and support.

Start-up grant funding is available to individuals on Swansea Council’s employability projects and who are setting up new businesses. It offers up to £1,000 towards start-up costs including equipment, training and marketing. Applicants support their application with a business plan and cash flow forecast – and support can be provided in preparing these documents. For further information contact: StartupGrant@swansea.gov.uk

For more details on how Swansea Council can help equip you for work log on to www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseaworking or www.workways.wales/en/