Ceredigion County Council website

During an unsettling time last year with talk of redundancies, Archie, a bus driver and the sole earner for his family, knew he had to look for a different job. After seeking help and support from Communities for Work+, Archie was able to secure new employment with a local milk collection company.

Archie contacted Communities for Work+ in September 2020 and was allocated a Mentor – Delor Evans and an Employers Liaison Officer – Catrin Davies from the Ceredigion Communities for Work+ Team.

Archie enjoyed being a driver but after finding out that his job may not be secure anymore, he was interested in becoming a HGV driver. This would mean that he would have to undertake training and obtain a licence for this.

The Communities for Work+ Team organised the necessary training; theory and practical and CPC Module. Despite delays in the training schedule due to covid restrictions, Archie passed all the training and with the new qualifications under his belt was able to start looking for a new job.

Archie and the team looked for suitable jobs together over the phone and saw Llaeth Cymreig were advertising for a Class 2 tanker driver. After an informal chat, Archie went for a two day trial. The trial was a success and Archie now works on a four day on, four day off rota for Llaeth Cymreig, a flexible working pattern that Archie and his family can benefit from.

Archie said: “Without Communities for work+ I simply would not be in the role that I am now, the scheme has helped me to gain new skills for life and I would highly recommend this scheme to anyone in need of any training. Even through these uncertain times, Communities for work+ has always been on hand to answer any questions. Since completing my HGV course I have a better home/work life balance. Once again, many thanks to all at Communities for work +.”

Councillor Catrin Miles, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for Schools, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Support and Intervention, said: “The last couple of years have been extremely challenging for everyone and the threat of redundancy, has added even more pressure onto some. So, hearing how Communities for Work + has helped Archie learn new skills, secure a more settled job and gain a better life/work balance as a result is uplifting to hear. I hope it will encourage others to get in touch with the team.”

Communities For Work+ is a Welsh Government funded project, delivered by Ceredigion County Council which supports individuals in or at risk of poverty, aged 16 or over, across Ceredigion and throughout Wales. Participants may be experiencing in-work poverty, unemployment, living on minimum wage or struggling to pay basic monthly outgoings on sporadic zero hour contracts.

Mentors provide 1:1 support for participants with writing CV’s, undertaking mock interviews, up-skilling and funding a wide variety of training including help with starting up their own business.

If you think the project may be able to help you or if you would like more information, contact the team on 01545 574193 or email TCC-EST@ceredigion.gov.uk.