Swansea resident Hannah, aged 28, lost her job, her house and her self-esteem. Unsurprisingly, both her physical and mental health suffered. It was a very bleak time for Hannah but she was determined to get her life back on track. Life took an upturn when Morriston DWP referred Hannah to Workways+, the service that provides 1-1 support to help people get jobs. Workways+ provided Hannah with an Employment Mentor, Gemma and an Employment Liaison Officer Adele, to help Hannah on her journey to a new life. Workways+ Employment Mentors provide 1-1 support to help people get work ready and Employment Liaison Officers work closely with local businesses to help them recruit suitable Workways+ participants. Gemma set to work helping Hannah get her confidence back and to think about what type of job would suit her. Gemma arranged for Workways+ to fund an ECDL course, which is an internationally recognised IT qualification designed to give learners the skills to use a computer confidently and effectively. Hannah worked hard and now has the ECDL Qualification. Working with Adele, it was agreed that the way forward for Hannah was to place her on one of the Workways+ Paid Work Opportunity schemes. A PWO is an opportunity for a Workways+ participant to work in a business for up to 20 weeks. The person is paid a wage that is fully funded through Workways+. Hannah would get valuable work skills and experience that would help her gain future employment and would also earn a wage. The employer would be able to take a view on whether Hannah would suit their business without financial risk to themselves. Adele and Gemma found Hannah a suitable opportunity working in an administration role for local company FPS Fire. Hannah was offered an interview and Gemma set about helping her prepare with mock interview training. Hannah was successful and Gemma and Adele put into place a PWO for Hannah to work with FPS Fire. Hannah has enjoyed every minute of her job and her line manager Joanna Kliczka is very pleased with her attitude, skills and commitment. FPS Fire has now offered Hannah a job which will commence at the end of her PWO on the 17th June 2022.
Joanna Kliczka, FPS Fire said, “Hannah has proved to be a very good addition to our team and we are delighted to offer her a job. The Workways+ service has been brilliant, firstly in finding Hannah for us and then offering the funding for a paid work opportunity. I would encourage anyone looking for a job to get together with Workways+ and for employers to work with them and explore their PWO options.”
Hannah said, “My confidence has gone through the roof and I am so much happier. I now feel like I have a great future and a solid direction in life. Workways+ was wonderful in how they helped me and I would like to thanks Gemma and Adele for their great support.”
Workways+ is part funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.