Workways+ offers training and paid work experience opportunities to long-term unemployed people to help them on their route back to employment. Amanda Needham, 57 has recently benefited from their support to find employment at a newly opened farm shop and Welsh bistro.
Having recently moved to the area with her husband, Amanda had previous experience in retail and manager roles, and was looking for a role that wasn’t too stressful and hours that would suit her. Not knowing what type of work that was available in the area, Amanda sought help and advice from Workways+.
Workways+ mentor, Wendy Fitzpatrick, contacted Bargoed Farm, a family run business in Llwyncelyn, Ceredigion, who were setting up a new farm shop and bistro, The Moody Cow. She sought out whether there were any employment opportunities available at the farm which would suit Amanda. After an initial period of volunteering at the farm, the owners, pleased with Amanda’s progress, began employing her on a part-time basis after she received training in Health and Safety. Amanda is now working full-time at the farm shop and bistro and working towards further qualifications in Food Hygiene.
Amanda said, “Working with the Workways+ Team was great and my mentor Wendy was very supportive. She went above and beyond to find a job that suited my needs. Wendy was able to take into account my previous roles, experiences and skills and really listened to my aims for the type of job that I was looking for. She provided practical support to get me through the CV, application and interview process. I’m thrilled to be part of this new enterprise and part of the team at The Moody Cow. I would recommend Workways+ to anyone looking to get back into employment.”
Workways+ offers one-to-one mentoring, support with job-seeking and interview skills, and the chance to gain new qualifications. Support will target individuals affected by work-limiting health conditions and disabilities, as well as those with care responsibilities or low or no skills.
Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Ceredigion County Council Leader said, “It is positive to hear of Amanda’s story, like many others, who have benefitted from Workways+. They are an important service of helping people over 25 in Ceredigion get back into work, receive training opportunities or volunteer.”
Workways+ is backed by £17.3m of European Union funds through the Welsh Government. The project is led by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council in collaboration with Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion County Councils.
If you would like more information, contact the Workways+ Team at Ceredigion County Council on 01545 574193 or [email protected].
