Posted: Wed 22nd Jan 2025

Flintshire businesses support young talent through charity partnership

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

Businesses across Flintshire are helping transform the lives of underserved young people through a partnership with the social mobility charity, WeMindTheGap.

Operating throughout the county, WeMindTheGap collaborates with local companies to deliver its ‘WeGrow employability programme’, which provides participants with six months of paid work placements, GCSE-level maths and English lessons, and personal development opportunities.

Flintshire resident Leah Griffiths is one of the programme’s success stories. After completing a placement at renewable energy firm Wall-Lag, Leah secured a full-time role as a painter and decorator with the company.

 

Leah said: “I felt securing work as a mum was very difficult, but with the support of Wall-Lag and WeMindTheGap, I can now say I’ve found my dream job.

“Although I was nervous to begin with, I enjoyed learning new skills and meeting new people. I cannot express how thankful I am to the programme for empowering me both personally and professionally.”

For 24-year-old Ben Clarke, another participant from Flintshire, the programme has offered his first experience of the workplace.

During a placement with Clwyd Alyn Housing’s Asset Management Team, Ben worked on assessing properties for structural and cosmetic issues, building valuable problem-solving skills.

Ben said: “The team at Clwyd Alyn were brilliant at welcoming me, and I always had colleagues I could turn to for help when needed.

“I enjoyed being on site to ensure all properties met the required standards. The experience has been great, and discovering what I enjoy—and what I don’t—in a work environment has been invaluable.”

Expanding Reach Through Community Funding

WeMindTheGap’s efforts have been bolstered by Flintshire’s allocation of the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), enabling the charity to reach more young people across the county.

The funding has supported the establishment of the charity’s Flintshire hub at Jade Jones Pavilion in Flint, creating a welcoming space to engage with the community and provide continuity through various programmes, including WeDiscover, WeGrow, and WeBelong.

Laura Columbine, WeMindTheGap Flintshire community maker, said: “Many of our young people have never had the chance to enter the workforce. The support from the UKSPF has been essential in bridging this gap and delivering these vital services.

“Our programmes not only improve employability but also build confidence and social skills through teamwork and engagement with inspiring role models. We look forward to continuing to make an impact in Flintshire.”

Councillor Chris Dolphin, Flintshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy, environment, and climate, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
“It’s fantastic to see young lives across our county transformed through the collaboration between WeMindTheGap and local business partners. This partnership will undoubtedly improve participants’ job prospects and self-confidence.”

 

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