Trivallis

One of Wales’ largest social landlords has found a great solution to help its residents gain the confidence they need to get back on the career ladder.

Trivallis Housing Association in Pontypridd, which provides homes for thousands of families in Rhondda Cynon Taff, is taking advantage of the Employability Skills Programme to help up-skill its local residents and provide them with the training and employment opportunities they need to kick-start their careers.

Simon Deacon, Placement officer at Trivallis said: “Since being introduced to the Employability Skills Programme we have worked to identify people within the local community, whether they are our tenants or residents in the wider community, who need a little bit of help getting back into work. 

“The way the programme works for us is that we take on people for six months on a voluntary basis and during that time we help them to identify what skills they already possess and what role or career pathway might best suit their individual qualities, characteristics and situation. We also offer them access to training, experience and qualifications which might help them to secure a permanent job after the placement. 

“Our volunteers help with everything from grass cutting and garden maintenance to cleaning, void clearance, ground work, fencing, painting and decorating, and even administration. We literally couldn’t operate without them. 

“After their placement has finished we endeavour to find them a paid position for a further six months before making every effort to help them secure a more permanent job, either with ourselves or another organisation.

“The programme is a fantastic initiative and one that really helps us to facilitate the up skilling, training and development of the residents in our communities. We recommend it to any employer who wants to help people within their local community. It can also provide the ideal way to fill skill shortages and train and retain staff in the skills they need for their business. Generally it’s a win, win situation.” 

The Employability Skills Programme is designed to provide individuals with the confidence and experience they need to get a job through high-quality work experience placements that provide work-based learning, employability and skills training workshops, upskilling in essential skills and dedicated support staff.

To find out more about the programme click here.