Employment Scheme Links with Commended Project to Create Local Jobs

An acclaimed development scheme which has been commended by the Welsh Assembly Government is working with a local employment initiative in order to help people in the Blaenau Gwent region back into work.

 

Cowlin Construction, the contractors behind the £6.5 million Extra Care Housing project in Nantyglo, along with developers United Welsh Housing Association (UWHA) have enlisted the help of JobMatch to offer six positions on site to local unemployed people, as part of their sustainability commitment to the local community. JobMatch is a scheme joint funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the EU, which works with unemployed people in the Heads of the Valleys region.

The Nantyglo development is a partnership between UWHA and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, and will provide new affordable homes for people over 60.

JobMatch has placed six jobseekers, aged between 18 and 40 years old with a variety of previous work experience, with Cowlin Construction at the Nantyglo site. The candidates will follow an Employment Route – a specifically developed training programme designed to cover all skills needed in the intended sector.

Steve Dobson from JobMatch said: “We’re delighted to be working with Cowlin Construction and United Welsh Housing Association on this project, and it’s fantastic to be sourcing staff for a development that has been commended by the Welsh Assembly Government. It’s the support from companies like these that allows the JobMatch programme to be so successful in our aims of regeneration in the Heads of the Valleys region and getting people back into sustained and meaningful employment.”

Following the submission of a recent report from Communities First – a programme to improve the living conditions and prospects of people in the most disadvantaged communities across Wales - Cowlin Construction was advised that the Welsh Assembly Government plan to use the Nantyglo development as an example of best practice in terms of contribution towards the community.  As well as creating employment in the region, the Nantyglo Five Year Improvement Plan.

David Harris, from Cowlin Construction, commented:“We are proud to be involved in innovative projects of this nature and are pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has sited our commitment, input and actions as best practice in this field. The Nantyglo project is a team effort and it is great to work with stakeholders who are equally committed to delivering community benefits. We pride ourselves in leaving a positive legacy from the projects we are involved in and enjoy working closely with all other stakeholders to deliver this goal.”

Shane Thomas, is one of the six JobMatch participants. He said:  “Before approaching JobMatch, I had struggled to find work, due to transport issues and a lack of confidence and basic skills.  Although I did attend college to do bricklaying, I was unable to find work, which was very disappointing, though I managed to find a few hobbles (hobbies?) to keep me going.  I was lucky enough to get a place on this Employment Route with JobMatch.  I found the Foundation weeks very helpful and since being on site with Cowlin I have learnt all the on-site rules around Health and Safety, Risks and Hazards as well as practical skills.  I’m enjoying what I’m doing and looking forward to the future.”

The Nantyglo development will consist of 40 one and two bedroom apartments for people over 55 years of age and 4 two bedroom apartments.  Due to open in September 2011, facility will have a wide range of design features that allow for a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors. Facilities will include a restaurant, coffee shop, activity rooms, enclosed courtyard gardens, potting shed, conservatory, laundry, IT suite and health & beauty suite.

 

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