The Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales Programme has opened the door to the world of work for 21-year- old Thomas Owen.
Having completed a Jobs Growth Wales six-month placement with Wrexham recycling company Mainetti, he was offered a full-time job as a production worker and has now started an apprenticeship.
In addition to developing a rewarding career, Thomas has won the Jobs Growth Wales Outstanding Individual of the Year award from his training provider, Cambrian Training Company.
Described as hard working, dedicated and reliable, Thomas works with the Mainetti’s cardboard recycling team. “It was really hard to find full time paid work and I am very grateful that Mainetti gave me a chance,” he said. “Through the Jobs Growth Wales programme, I have found the start of a career as well many new friends from all walks of life.”
He had previously achieved five GCSEs and a level one IT qualification at Coleg Cambria before joining Mainetti, a finalist in this year’s Vocational Qualification Awards for Wales in the Employer of the Year category.
Mikolaj Pietrzyk, Mainetti’s site manager, said Thomas performs an important role in helping to recycle cardboard boxes which reduces the waste sent to landfill. “Mainetti is constantly looking for ways to expand and grow and looking for new contracts with new retailers,” he added. “Every small link in the chain is vital to the company’s success.
“This is the first time we have used the Jobs Growth Wales programme and we are really pleased with what a success it has been, but we recognise this is, in a large part, down to what a fantastic addition to our team Thomas has become.
“When Thomas came to us, he was very shy but he has grown steadily in confidence and has quickly become a popular member of our team. Thomas is liked and respected across the board, showing himself able to get on with everyone. It is a joy to have him on the workplace.”
Cambrian Training Company’s managing director Arwyn Watkins congratulated Thomas on winning the company’s Jobs Growth Wales Outstanding Individual of the Year award and securing the full time post with Mainetti.
“We work with some great employers and learners throughout Wales as we deliver a range of apprenticeship, skills and employment training programmes on behalf of the Welsh Government,” he said.
“The awards celebrate the achievements of those who have exceeded expectations during their engagement and commitment to training and skills programmes, have shown a unique approach to training and development and demonstrated initiative, enterprise, innovation and creativity.”
Jobs Growth Wales is a six-month work experience opportunity in a job, which pays at least the national minimum wage. People who have a disability or face other barriers can get additional help and mentoring while in the job.
To qualify, candidates must be aged between 16 and 24 years, live in Wales, be unemployed, not have completed the full six months of a previous Jobs Growth Wales vacancy, not have been referred to or are taking part in the Work Programme or Work Choice Programme, not be in full time education and not be on a Welsh Government work-based learning programme.
