Hard Work Pays Off!

A group of young men from across Blaenau Gwent have been rewarded for their hard work and commitment with full-time jobs in the construction industry.

The trainee scheme called ‘tools 4 your future is administered by United Welsh housing association and JobMatch. It aims to help young people to learn a trade and study at the same time. It is part of the National Curriculum and targets individuals who are at risk of being excluded from school.

Following an intensive 52 week work and training programme the trainee’s have been rewarded with a Foundation Craft Award in ‘Multi-skilling’ and a 3 year modern apprenticeship from Taylor Wimpey, Micaul, and Quadron.

Jamie Saunders, 17 yrs from Abertillery said: “This scheme has enabled me to learn new skills, particularly plastering which I love. I’ve learnt from really skilled tradesmen who have helped me to get to this stage. I would recommend this scheme to other young people. If you want to become a skilled tradesman the opportunities are available.”

Michelle Smith from United Welsh said: “We have been absolutely delighted with the hard work that the trainees have put into the programme. They have turned up to work on time and when the need has arisen worked extra hours to provide a great service to our customers. These young men really deserve the opportunity to build a career in construction and it is great to see organisations such as Taylor Wimpey, Micaul, and Quadron investing in our young people.

“The real test of an initiative such as ‘tools 4 your future’ is whether the training results in employment. The evidence so far speaks for itself and we look forward to offering more opportunities to young people across Blaenau Gwent.”

7th April 2009

The construction trainees left to right – Jay Bradley (Abertillery), Josh Thomas (Blaina), Marley Gardender (Abertillery), Jamie Saunders (Abertillery)