Pre-employment Initiative Gains Momentum
"Momentum", a pre-employment initiative for the construction
trade, has been shortlisted in the Welsh Housing Awards 2012.
Developed and co-ordinated by the Neath Port Talbot team of the
EU-backed South West Workways project, the "Momentum" initiative is
short-listed in the Developing Skills and Capacity category. The
award ceremony takes place on 23rd November at the Vale Hotel.
The Momentum pre-employment initiative for the construction
trade was developed as part of the Workways provision in
conjunction with NPT Homes and their main contractors including
Mears Group, Mi-Space, Jistcourt and Ian Williams. Other employer
involvement includes Sparks, Paul Jones Fencing, Andrew Scott Ltd.,
and Alun Griffiths Civil Engineering.
Momentum was a week-long interview process where candidates were
able to gain skills in a variety of trades such as plumbing,
carpentry, mobile scaffolding, tiling and external wall
installation. Employers involved were then able to select suitable
candidates for employment based on their abilities and skills.
After receiving applications from 27 people, 12 candidates
undertook intense interviews and attendees successfully gained a
CSCS card.
Councillor Ali Thomas, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said:
"I am delighted that the Workways team's initiative "Momentum" has
been shortlisted. The partnership approach of Momentum will result
in 12 local people securing work in the construction trade. This
adds to what has already proved to be a very successful project
which has already placed over 1200 local people back into
employment."
Ian Jones, Workways Project Manager said: "During the process,
each candidate had the opportunity to develop and showcase their
skills. Across the board, their enthusiasm has been very
impressive. The commitment shown by the contractors to recruit
unemployed people has been refreshing, and as a project this is
something Workways will continue to encourage".
Workways tackles the barriers that prevent individuals from
finding employment. The project provides support with job
searching, CVs, applications forms, interview skills, telephone
techniques, access to volunteering and opportunities to gain
qualifications. Participants are also matched with local
businesses, helping them gain the vital experience needed to find
long term employment. Workways is backed with almost £13 million
from the European Social Fund through the Welsh
Government.