Newport housing take on young recruits

Newport City Homes (NCH) will shortly be welcoming seven new members of staff for six-month positions in its building trade and community involvement teams, as part of the Future Jobs Fund Project.

In partnership with Newport City Council, NCH has created a total of 30 placements for 18-24 year olds who have been claiming Job Seekers Allowance for between 39 and 51 weeks.

The positions, which will take place over the next 18 months, will allow the young person to gain work experience that delivers community benefit, to enhance their CV. At the end of the six-month placement, extra support will be offered to help the employees find permanent work.

In Newport, the Future Jobs Fund was launched in October and a total of 472 placements will be delivered across the city over the next 18 months.

The first phase of recruitment for the positions with NCH involved both staff and residents taking part in the interview and decision-making process.

Claire Douglas, Head of Community Regeneration and Involvement at NCH said: "The project has offered Newport City Homes a chance to offer work experience opportunities to young people in partnership with Newport City Council. It has also shown the commitment from the contractors that are working with us on the investment programme, with whom some of these placements will be made.

"We’re very grateful to the residents who gave their time to be involved in the recruitment to these posts. We've met some brilliant young people that have a lot to offer the organisation and the communities in which they will be working."

read more... “Newport housing take on young recruits”

AM backs efforts to provide land for steel-makers expansion

The go-ahead has been given for more talks to seal a deal to sell land to steel-makers Celsa for a future major expansion of its Cardiff operations, Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks has learnt.

Deputy First Minister for the Economy and Transport Ieuan Wyn Jones has agreed that the Welsh Assembly Government officials can continue to negotiate to sell 51 acres land at Pengam Green to the Spanish-owned business.

Chris Franks, Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales Central, who area includes Cardiff, said: “I’m pleased that negotiations will continue to conclude a deal with Celsa. They have become a hugely important employer in Cardiff since the collapse of ASW and it is vital that they are able to expand in the future, hopefully, creating a lot more manufacturing jobs for the people of Cardiff and South Wales.”

In September 2007 Ieuan Wyn Jones agreed that the Welsh Assembly Government should negotiate to sell land at Pengam Green in view of Celsa’s £150m investment and the creation of 800 jobs. Celsa want to protect the potential for future expansion of steel making operations from its existing constrained site. The Deputy First Minister has now agreed to a further period of negotiation to conclude an agreement.

The remaining landholdings of the Welsh Assembly Government in the area of around eight acres are required for a future strategic transport proposal led by Cardiff Council.

Appropriate clauses will be introduced in the disposal documents to ensure that the Welsh Assembly Government has a first option to buy the land back at market value in the event of Celsa going into liquidation, wishing to sell to a third party or declaring the land surplus to their requirements.

read more... “AM backs efforts to provide land for steel-makers expansion”

Latest Pembrokeshire jobless figures

As the 2009 visitor season ends, the usual small increase in unemployment is seen in the October jobless figures.

There were 2,290 Pembrokeshire people claiming Job Seekers Allowance last month which represents an unemployment rate of 3.4 per cent. This is an increase of 71 people over the previous month

The rate of 3.4 per cent is still significantly lower than the Welsh (4.3 per cent) and GB (4.1 per cent) averages.

Said Pembrokeshire County Councillor John Allen-Mirehouse, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Economic Development:

"Unemployment has increased slightly across the whole of the county but the greatest increase of 40 people was seen in the south where unemployment is now at 4 per cent.

"It is encouraging to see that the current rate of unemployment throughout the county is below the Welsh average as in the past Pembrokeshire used to have the highest unemployment in Wales.

"It is also good to see that youth unemployment now accounts for a slightly smaller percentage of the total than in previous years although it still accounts for just under a third of all people that are looking for work.

"Equally encouraging is the relatively small number of people who are long-term unemployed. In Pembrokeshire those out of work for over a year accounts for only 6.7 per cent of the total unemployment while in Wales as a whole this group account for 11.3 per cent of all unemployed."

read more... “Latest Pembrokeshire jobless figures”

Huge Newport Data Centre Project secures support from Lombard

One of the largest data centre facilities in Europe, to be established at Newport has received a significant funding boost.

Next Generation Data Europe, which is behind the project for a 75,000 square metre facility, has secured financial support from Lombard.

The money will help support the investment required for infrastructure equipment to fit out data halls inside the massive building for the company’s first major blue chip customers – which are moving their extensive data operations into NGD Europe from early next year.

The data centre will create 100 jobs.

read more... “Huge Newport Data Centre Project secures support from Lombard”

New jobs boost for Rhondda

A new £3.6m venture which will bring hundreds of job opportunities to the site of the former Burberry factory at Treorci in the Rhondda Valley is being announced by Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones.

Renamed Parc Busnes Treorci, the site will be refurbished and transformed into a business centre with 15 quality industrial units for local enterprises, 90,000 square feet of floor space and around 10,000 square feet of offices.

Backed with almost £2 million from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, the renovation project is being led by two South Wales businessmen, Michael Henderson and Robert Kearns, who have also made a significant investment.

The project has also received £118,550 funding from the Heads of the Valleys programme for site preparation works necessary to bring the redundant building back into full use and for the creation of a dedicated marketing suite on site.

Mr Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said:

"I am delighted to announce that the former Burberry site has been purchased and will be developed as a business park for local enterprises.

"The community was dealt an enormous blow when the factory closed and moved production overseas with the loss of over 300 jobs.

"Now, the site will provide new, sustainable employment opportunities, created through partnership working across the public and private sector to support local businesses and entrepreneurs which, in turn, will bring increased prosperity to the whole community."

The intention is to attract local businesses by offering quality units at competitive rates and at an appropriate size to match demand.

Mr Kearns of Parc Busnes Treorci, said:

"We are delighted that the Assembly Government has chosen to support this vision for breathing new life into the business community and jobs market of the Rhondda. This exciting new development is a perfect example of how the public and private sector in Wales can work hand in hand to re-vitalise sites abandoned by multinationals in favour of cheap labour overseas. We are confident that smaller units with shorter tenancy options and competitive rates will attract a range of local businesses to the site."

Work will get underway to develop the site in December this year.

Mr Henderson said:

"Together we can utilise these assets to the best advantage of the new Welsh economy. The new business park will be specifically designed with small local businesses in mind. Being Rhondda born and bred, I am particularly pleased to see this new project get off the ground and create much needed jobs in Rhondda Cynon Taf."

read more... “New jobs boost for Rhondda”

First Minister welcomes 220 jobs for long-term unemployed

First Minister Rhodri Morgan has welcomed news that £1.4m from the Future Jobs Fund will help create 220 jobs across Wales.

The ‘Future Jobs Fund’ supports the creation of jobs for long-term unemployed young people and others who face significant disadvantage in the labour market. The fund, run by the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to create 150,000 temporary jobs until 2011, primarily for 18-24 year olds who have been out of work for around 12 months. The fund invites organisations to submit bids for funding, and bids should aim to create at least 30 jobs over a six-month period.

The new jobs for Wales in this latest round of funding are as follows:

• Powys Partnership Future Jobs Fund – up to 63 new jobs of which 36 are to be in the green sector, five will be social enterprises and three will be apprenticeships. The roles include classroom assistant; estate worker; animal welfare assistant; and landscape operative.
• The Vale of Glamorgan Council – up to 96 new jobs of which 18 are to be green jobs, six are to be social enterprises. The roles include regeneration assistant; community development assistant; environmental project worker; youth support worker.
• Pembrokeshire County Council – up to 50 new jobs – all apprenticeships. The jobs will be within housing; learning / support work; village wardens.
• Action for Children - up to 11 new jobs in Business Support, Administration, Youth Work and Early Years support.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan said:

“So far Future Jobs Fund projects will attract around £26 million and will create around 4200 jobs in Wales. Today’s announcement once again is very encouraging for our economy and labour market.

“There can be little doubt that we still face challenging economic times but we’re working hard through pioneering schemes like ProAct, ReAct and the Future Jobs Fund to keep young people engaged in the labour market ready for when the upturn inevitably comes.”

Education Minister Jane Hutt said:

“We must continue to create sustainable employment for young people in Wales to ensure they have a strong future. It’s crucial to provide not only jobs, but high quality training so that workers are not only secure in their jobs, but have the necessary knowledge and abilities to succeed.”

Deputy Minister for Skills John Griffiths said:

“This is excellent news for young people in Wales, and I’m pleased that many of these new posts will support apprentices. This significant funding delivered through the Future Jobs Fund, as part of our Young Person’s Guarantee, will give people the opportunity to work while providing them with the skills to protect their futures.”

read more... “First Minister welcomes 220 jobs for long-term unemployed”

'No cold calling zone' introduced in Ringland

The Safer Newport Partnership has launched a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ in an area of Ringland to put a stop to bogus callers.

Residents of the Treberth and Bishpool area will soon see an end to unwanted callers at their front doors after a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ was authorised by the Safer Newport partnership with input from Gwent Police, Newport Housing Trust and Newport City Council. Action was taken after Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team listened to concerns from residents on the estate complaining about suspected rogue traders and distraction burglars.

Every resident of Treberth and Bishpool will now be given an information pack on the ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ and a window sticker to deter unwanted callers. Signs marking the zone will also be displayed on lampposts around the estate.

A Neighbourhood Watch group has recently been set up in the area and PCSOs have spoken to residents who are predominantly elderly and vulnerable to make them aware of how to deal with bogus callers on their doorsteps.

Pc Leanne Pole, of Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“Many of the residents in the area are elderly and vulnerable and this ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ gives them a clear authority to turn people away from their doorsteps. It’s not designed to stop legitimate callers such as the milkman or gas board representative - it’s to stop bogus callers. People should always check the identity of people who call at their home and if that means shutting the door on them while you call the company they work for, so be it. The zone is a result of residents calling us, reporting suspicious behaviour and expressing their concerns.”

Phil Toms, chief executive of Newport Housing Trust, said:
“We welcome and fully support the ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ idea. Our residents want to feel safe and secure in their own homes. We have worked with Gwent Police in the past to design out crime on our estates and this is an excellent extra step.”

read more... “'No cold calling zone' introduced in Ringland”

New jobs boost for Rhondda

A new £3.6m venture which will bring hundreds of job opportunities to the site of the former Burberry factory at Treorci in the Rhondda Valley is being announced by Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones today.

Renamed Parc Busnes Treorci, the site will be refurbished and transformed into a business centre with 15 quality industrial units for local enterprises, 90,000 square feet of floor space and around 10,000 square feet of offices.

Backed with almost £2 million from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government, the renovation project is being led by two South Wales businessmen, Michael Henderson and Robert Kearns, who have also made a significant investment.

The project has also received £118,550 funding from the Heads of the Valleys programme for site preparation works necessary to bring the redundant building back into full use and for the creation of a dedicated marketing suite on site.

Mr Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said:

"I am delighted to announce that the former Burberry site has been purchased and will be developed as a business park for local enterprises.

"The community was dealt an enormous blow when the factory closed and moved production overseas with the loss of over 300 jobs.

"Now, the site will provide new, sustainable employment opportunities, created through partnership working across the public and private sector to support local businesses and entrepreneurs which, in turn, will bring increased prosperity to the whole community."

The intention is to attract local businesses by offering quality units at competitive rates and at an appropriate size to match demand.

Mr Kearns of Parc Busnes Treorci, said:

"We are delighted that the Assembly Government has chosen to support this vision for breathing new life into the business community and jobs market of the Rhondda. This exciting new development is a perfect example of how the public and private sector in Wales can work hand in hand to re-vitalise sites abandoned by multinationals in favour of cheap labour overseas. We are confident that smaller units with shorter tenancy options and competitive rates will attract a range of local businesses to the site."

Work will get underway to develop the site in December this year.

Mr Henderson said:

"Together we can utilise these assets to the best advantage of the new Welsh economy. The new business park will be specifically designed with small local businesses in mind. Being Rhondda born and bred, I am particularly pleased to see this new project get off the ground and create much needed jobs in Rhondda Cynon Taf."

read more... “New jobs boost for Rhondda”

Disadvantaged get a training boost

A new project aimed at helping disadvantaged people get into work and training has been launched in Pembrokeshire this month.

Pembrokeshire COAST (Creating Opportunities and Skills Team) is part of COASTAL, a wider initiative across South West Wales part funded by the European Social Fund.

Around £7 million will be used in Pembrokeshire to develop existing services and create new opportunities for training and work practice for disabled people and those with serious and enduring illnesses.

"The new project aims to provide a wide range of guidance, education and training to support people who are unable to work either as a result of illness or disability," said Councillor David Wildman, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Care.

"We hope to be able to address the barriers they face in training for and seeking employment."

The COASTAL project, which was set up earlier this year, is being led by the City and County of Swansea Council in partnership with the local authorities of Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire. It is set to include Ceredigion and Bridgend next year.

The project is due to last for four and half years and is part funded by £27million from the European Social Fund as part of the EU's 2007-13 West Wales & the Valleys Convergence Programme. The remaining funding will be provided by the local authorities and independent sector providers.

The Pembrokeshire launch on November 6th is the first of the project's local launches.

People wanting help from the new scheme will be referred to a specialist team based at Norman Industries in Haverfordwest - part of Pembrokeshire County Council.

It will act as a central hub providing participants with access to a wide variety of services offered both by the Council and the voluntary sector.

For more details about the project contact COAST at 01437 768317 or email COAST@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Photograph: (left to right) Councillor David Wildman, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Care; Councillor Sian James, Cabinet Member for the Voluntary Sector, Health and Well-being; Karen Davies, Pembrokeshire Coast Project manager, and Mike Taberner and Derek Jenkins from Norman Industries.

read more... “Disadvantaged get a training boost”

Talking careers in psychology

Young people who are interested in a career in psychology are being given a unique opportunity to find out more about the profession at a special event being held at City Hall in Cardiff.

An insight day has been arranged by the British Psychological Society, in partnership with Cardiff Council and Careers Wales Education Business Partnership, for people aged between 16 and 19.

Taking place on Tuesday, November 24 from 9.30am to 3.30pm, the event will look at a variety of careers and specialisms within psychology.

Psychologists will speak throughout the day and answer questions on their different specialisms.

Among the speakers will be Dr. Ruth Paradice who will explain the work of educational psychologists and their work with children, with educational psychologists from Cardiff Council available to answer questions on their work. Dr Katie Thirlaway will give an insight into how psychological principles are used to promote changes in people's attitudes,
behaviour and thinking about health and illness and Dr Richard Neil will talk about the work of sport psychologists with both teams and individuals from amateur to elite levels of competition.

Nic Bowes will also give a fascinating insight into how forensic psychologists work on criminal investigations and try to understand psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour and the treatment of criminals.

Other talks include Dr. Alyson Smith who will explain how clinical psychologists work with mental and physical health problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems,
addictions and relationships; Dr. John Boddy who will focus on occupational psychologists and how they work with organisations and Dr. Mike Dunn who will give a summary on the research and teaching element of psychology. There will also be an opportunity to hear about the experiences of a current psychology student so people can get a feel for what an undergraduate psychology degree may involve.

Places are limited so if you are interested in attending, please contact Deborah Fry for an application form by email EBP@cardiff.gov.uk or telephone 2087 3789 by Friday, November 13.

read more... “Talking careers in psychology”

One stop shop for careers advice

Young people in the Caerphilly county borough can get a wide range of careers advice at a special event taking place in Ystrad Mynach this week.

A Careers Directions Fair for Year 9 and 11 pupils will be held on Saturday 14th November between 10am and 2.30pm at the Penallta House council offices, Ystrad Mynach.

The event is intended to give young people the opportunity to explore the learning options available to them now and in the future, which could lead to longer-term career prospects.

Parents and carers of young people in these age groups are also invited to come along to enable everyone to have the opportunity to talk to employers, training providers and business representatives from a wide range of professions and occupations. Staff from local colleges, Careers Wales and the 14-19 Pathways team will be available to offer advice and guidance. During the day there will also be a number of short talks on career opportunities by representatives from universities and local organisations.

The Careers Fair is organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council's 14-19 Learning Pathways in partnership with Careers Wales. The event will feature over 50 exhibitors including the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Haford Care, Cardiff School of Nursing, Educ8, Howells Solicitors, Thomas Carroll, Co-operative Food, the Engineering & Technology Board, Gwent Police, Child & Child Chartered Accountants, Caerphilly Garden Centre, BAM Construction, Stagecoach, University of Newport and Aberystwyth, UWIC Food Industry Centre, the Welsh Assembly Government, GAVO and many, many more.

Penallta House is a 10 minute walk from Ystrad Mynach railway station and from the local bus routes. On the day there will also be FREE coaches running from each part of the county borough. For further details please telephone 01443 866662.

read more... “One stop shop for careers advice”

Cardiff council denies 'outsourcing' stories

Cardiff Council and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS) moved quickly today to deny reports in the Indian media suggesting that their recently signed long term strategic partnership will result in the outsourcing of jobs.

Cardiff Council has made it very clear in all press releases that the new partnership will not involve any Council staff being transferred to the private sector.

Instead the council says, TCS, based in India, will bring its global technical expertise and private sector commercial know-how to support a major change to the way in which the Council's technology infrastructure supports its day to day operations and facilitates improved service delivery to the citizens and communities of Cardiff.

The company will work closely with the Council's ICT Service to help deliver more efficient systems and ensure both parties benefit from an exchange of knowledge and experience.

Councillor Mark Stephens, Executive Member for Finance and Service Delivery, said: "These reports in the media are very disappointing and completely inaccurate as we have been very
specific since this contract was signed that there will be no job transfers. Many reports are describing this as an 'outsourcing deal' but that is simply not the case. This is very much a partnership to ensure staff both here and in TCS learn valuable new skills from each other."

read more... “Cardiff council denies 'outsourcing' stories”

"ProAct scheme has helped save over 170 local jobs": says Wrexham's AM

More than 170 workers in the Wrexham area have taken advantage of an Assembly Government-funded training scheme during the recession, Wrexham's Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths can reveal.

Latest figures obtained by Lesley show that in total, 172 workers locally have taken advantage of the ProAct scheme, since its inception.

ProAct, which was introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government, helps fund training during quiet time to up-skill staff in readiness for the upturn.

The scheme offers:

• Up to £2,000 per individual towards training costs
• A wage subsidy of up to £2,000 (at a rate of £50 a day) per individual whilst this training is being undertaken (up to 12 months.)

More than 7,000 workers across Wales have benefited from the ProAct scheme since the scheme was introduced.

Commenting on the local figures, Lesley Griffiths AM said:

“These figures show the success of the steps taken by the Welsh Assembly Government in actively helping those hit by the recession in Wrexham.

“I am proud that the Government is continuing to offer local people and companies via this scheme, by making sure people are not left feeling alienated and alone when hit by these hard times.

"Without the ProAct scheme in place, there is every likelihood that 172 in the Wrexham area would have lost their jobs. Such is the importance of this scheme to the local area.

“The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to the long-term goal of creating a full employment society in Wales, providing everyone with the opportunity to fulfil their potential through work, study and training.

"The latest figures demonstrate what I have been saying for some months - that ProAct has helped save local jobs and kept companies afloat during the global economic downturn."

For further information about ProAct ring 0845 60 661 60.

read more... “"ProAct scheme has helped save over 170 local jobs": says Wrexham's AM”

Powerful alliance set to create jobs for 1,400

A powerful alliance of organisations across the statutory and voluntary sectors is being forged to help deliver a Swansea programme of almost 1,400 new jobs.

The partnership is being created by two successful bids won by Swansea Council vocational training provider Employment Training and SCVS which have been tasked with overseeing the Government's Future Jobs Fund across the city and county.

Groups already on board to help create new work include the Swansea Council for Voluntary Service (SCVS), trades unions, sustainable transport charity Sustrans and homeless charity the Cyrenians. They all already carry out much work in Swansea.

Others signed up include the Youth Offending Team, Swansea Council's Youth Service and employment services and employment provider Remploy.

Employment Training manager Steve Harris said: "It was under three weeks ago that we were able to announce that ourselves and the SCVS had succeeded in winning the bid to deliver this programme.

"Since then a lot of hard work has gone in to building a strong network of associate bodies; they have all shown a great deal of enthusiasm and positivity for the scheme.

"We hope to start placing people in jobs around the Christmas and New Year period.

"The local authority already puts a great deal of work into providing jobs and this brings another good opportunity to engage with young people and to prepare them for the world of work."

All work created in Swansea by the £1bn UK-wide Future Jobs Fund must be carried out to the benefit of the local community. Existing jobs should not suffer and those employed will be in the 18-24 age range.

Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: "Many young people are finding it hard to access employment opportunities at the moment, so this funding will arrive at an important time and will give them the chance to learn key skills that will prove crucial in future."

Carol Green, director of Swansea Council for Voluntary Service, said: "There are certain hotspots in Swansea with deprivation on many levels, including economic inactivity, which affects families as well as individuals.

"We're delighted that the third sector in Swansea has been recognised with this successful bid for the Future Jobs Fund, and we're looking forward to helping reduce unemployment in these areas."

read more... “Powerful alliance set to create jobs for 1,400”

£7.5m Regeneration package for mid-Wales

A £7.5m scheme to revitalise towns and communities across the Severn Valley to boost the local economy, improve community facilities and create an exciting tourist hub for visitors has been announced by Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones.

Welshpool, Newtown, and Llanidloes are all set to benefit from the scheme to transform town centre streets through improvements to shop fronts and commercial properties as well as new street furniture and landscaping.

Work will also get underway to refurbish disused properties across the Severn Valley to support start ups and attract new businesses while Offa’s Dyke and Abermule business parks will undergo further development.

The three-year scheme is backed with for £3.5m from the Competitiveness European Regional Development Fund and almost £2 million from the Welsh Assembly Government further funding from Powys County Council.

With this latest announcement, the region is benefiting a total investment of over £1.3 billion (EU funds over £650m) through the 2007-2013 Structural Funds programmes.

Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said:

“Enhancing the overall appearance of the towns will create an environment which will support existing businesses and attract new investors as well as increase its appeal as a hub for visitors. This scheme will greatly benefit communities through renewed pride, improved facilities and increased employment opportunities which will boost economic prosperity across the region.”

As part of the scheme restoration work will take place to two ancient monuments at the gateway to Welshpool town centre with improved access and parking facilities at the sites.

News of the grant award has been welcomed by Powys County Council Board Member for Regeneration, Cllr Wynne Jones.

"This is fantastic news for the Severn Valley Regeneration project and will take forward two important industrial park developments that will protect and safeguard valuable jobs in the region. It will also provide valuable resources to regenerate town centres in the upper Severn Valley."

read more... “£7.5m Regeneration package for mid-Wales”

Council expresses sadness at Dyserth job losses

Denbighshire County Council has expressed its sadness at the announcement that Anglia Homeserve is to close its property repair firm in Dyserth with a loss of 200 jobs.

The company has announced its intention to cease trading and will close for good on January 5.
Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, said: "Following on from other high profile closures, this latest news regarding Homeserve in Dyserth is a devastating blow to the workers and their families, the local economy and employment rates in the county.

"Denbighshire will do its utmost to help support the staff through this difficult time and we will be in contact with the company's directors to offer practical advice and information to staff."

read more... “Council expresses sadness at Dyserth job losses”

County’s young people set for a jobs boost

Carmarthenshire is set for a jobs boost with a grant worth over half a million pound to help people back in to employment.

Carmarthenshire County Council has secured a £630,500 Future Jobs Fund grant from the Department of Work and Pensions to fund 97 new jobs across the county over the next six months.

The aim of the Future Jobs Fund (FJF) is to provide people who have been unemployed for 39 weeks or more the opportunity to secure gainful employment.

The jobs will range from posts within the authority to others that are based with third sector organisations.

The posts will be newly created and are primarily aimed at 18-24-year-olds, although there will also be help for those aged over 25 who live in the most deprived areas of Carmarthenshire.

Carmarthenshire Training Sir Gar will be working closely with employers and eligible FJF participants to secure employment beyond the six months, whether that is with the FJF employer or a new employer.

Shan Williams, Project Manager, said: “We have just submitted 20 vacancies to Jobcentre Plus, with a further 20 vacancies set to become available in November.

“They include vacancies as diverse as IT to woodland management, including opportunities at our European Centre and within youth arts.”

The FJF is part of the Department for Work and Pensions Young Person’s Guarantee, which was announced in the Government’s 2009 Budget Report.

The DWP says that from early 2010, everyone in between the ages of 18 and 24 who has been looking for work for a year will get an offer of a job, work experience, or training lasting at least six months.

Cllr Clive Scourfield, executive board member for regeneration said: “I am delighted that Carmarthenshire has secured this funding, which will help us to deliver real benefits to our communities.

“We are trying in a number of different ways to help people gain meaningful employment, and part of this is encouraging skilled young people to live and work in Carmarthenshire so that they will help us build a strong economy for the future.”

For further information about the fund contact Jake Williams, Future Jobs Fund Project Co-ordinator, Carmarthenshire Training Sir Gar, on 01554 744320, or e-mail jtwilliams@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Those looking for employment opportunities are advised to seek further information from Jobcentre Plus.

read more... “County’s young people set for a jobs boost”

472 new jobs created by Future Jobs Fund in Newport

The Newport Future Jobs Fund was launched yesterday at Malpas Court in Newport.

The government-funded scheme, which has been led by Newport City Council’s Community Development team and its partners, has been a great success – creating 472 six-month contract jobs in Newport, in a period of just 18 months.

A number of the scheme’s first employees and employers were present at the launch, along with Cabinet Members from Newport City Council.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Service Delivery, Cllr Ed Townsend, said: “This scheme will give a large number of young people a chance to gain experience of work and to improve their skills.

“Newport was successful in its bid for money from this programme because Council officers were able to react quickly and meet tight deadlines. Our aim is to use this scheme as a starting point to help improve job opportunities for young people in Newport.”

Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Services, Cllr Richard White, said: “It is very encouraging that the Council has been able, together with our partner organisations, to create these opportunities for employment.

“I hope this will lead to permanent long-term employment for those involved. I wish all the participants success in achieving this aim”.

The Future Jobs Fund was announced in the 2009 Budget and is run by the Department for Work and Pensions in partnership with the Department for Communities and Local Government, collaborating with Jobcentre Plus, Regional Government Offices and the Welsh Assembly.

The £1 billion programme aims to provide employment for at least six months to young people aged between 18-24 who live in unemployment ‘hotspots’ and haven’t worked in the previous 12 months.

read more... “472 new jobs created by Future Jobs Fund in Newport”

Help for job seekers in Merthyr

Merthyr jobseekers who lack interview experience are being reminded that help is available to brush up their skills.

It’s provided by employment specialist JobMatch and is helping local people to get back into work. Damien Owen of Morgantown was job hunting for a year before being put in touch with JobMatch through the JobCentre Plus ‘Pathways to Work’ scheme.

He was helped to create an up to date CV, practise his interview skills and its advisors kept in regular contact to encourage him in his job search and let him know about any new opportunities. It resulted in success, with 35 year old Damien now working for Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council as a housing options advisor initially on a six month placement.

Damien, who had previously worked in customer services, said: “It was a very quick turnaround with JobMatch, within just a couple of weeks I was receiving pre-interview guidance for my current position. I had previously worked in sales and customer service jobs but it had been quite a long time since I had been for an interview and so JobMatch went through the proper interview techniques with me to refresh my memory and prepare me beforehand.”

Damien is now delighted to be back in a job he loves, providing general housing advice to members of the public.

Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Regeneration, Leighton Andrews said: “Damien’s story is yet another example of JobMatch proving its effectiveness for local people. The initiative continues to help people across the Heads of the Valleys area to be more fulfilled and financially better off with obvious benefits for the local economy.”

Since November 2007 support provided by the JobMatch partners in Merthyr has involved help with training and gaining new qualifications, linking people with suitable job opportunities, and encouraging self-employment.

Following a highly successful trial period in Blaenau Gwent, JobMatch has been extended to cover large areas of Torfaen County Borough, Caerphilly County Borough, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough and Rhondda Cynon Taff.

It is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme administered by the Welsh Assembly Government.

JobMatch is part of an integrated approach to sustainable regeneration of the former coal and steel industry areas, and the message to unemployed people of working age is: “You’re better off in a job.”

Jobseekers are urged to call JobMatch on 0800 066 5452.

read more... “Help for job seekers in Merthyr”

300+ Wrexham workers sign up for WAG redundancy scheme

Well over 300 workers in Wrexham Counnty Borough have taken advantage of a Welsh Assembly Government-funded training scheme during the downturn, the town's Labour AM can reveal.

Latest figures released by Lesley Griffiths AM, show 330 workers took advantage of the Welsh Government Redundancy Action Scheme (ReAct) scheme, between October 2008 and July 2009.

In total, 49 Wrexham companies have been in receipt of ReAct wage subsidy, as part of the scheme. ReAct, which was introduced by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government, offers employer recruitment and training support as well as recruitment consultancy support to workers who have been made redundant or face redundancy.

Nationally, nearly 8,000 workers across Wales took part in ReAct during the same 10 month period.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: "These figures show that the Welsh Assembly Government is actively helping those hit by the downturn in Wrexham.

"I am proud that the Government's priority has been to make sure people are not left feeling alienated and alone when hit by these hard times.

"The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to the long-term goal of creating a full employment society in Wales, providing everyone with the opportunity to fulfil their potential through work, study and training. "Further information is available through the ReAct helpline number on 01792 765888, from local Careers Wales offices or from learndirect on 0800 100 900."

read more... “300+ Wrexham workers sign up for WAG redundancy scheme”