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Successful pathway into catering

Published: 31/10/2018

Flintshire Communities for Work Plus is celebrating success for two of their former “pupils” who attended a “Pathway into Catering” course last year, run in partnership with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association.

The course gave local residents the chance to gain training, skills and experience in catering and domestic roles.

Janet Bentley was referred to Communities for Work Plus by the job centre and Alex Jones through the parent liaison officer at Ysgol Gwynedd in Flint.  Both had not worked for a number of years when they attended the Catering Pathway and gained a number of qualifications including food hygiene, manual handling, health and safety and customer service.

During the 12 months since completing the Pathway course, both Janet and Alex have been supported by a mentor.    They were both able to carry out work placements at the Old Court House café in Flint, Llys Eleanor in Shotton and with Aura Leisure in the catering department. 

They have now both now secured positions in the newly opened facility, Llys Raddington, in Flint.

Alex said:

“The mentoring and work experience following the course were great and really helped to enhance my CV and give me some up-to-date work experience. My confidence and skills have increased enormously.” 

Janet said:

“This whole experience has been so positive and has made such a difference.  I have gained qualifications and skills and now have a job as a catering assistant in this wonderful new facility in Flint.”

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Derek Butler, said:

“This is a really good news story and shows what can be achieved when organisations like Flintshire County Council and Clwyd Alun Housing Association work together in partnership.  Not only have these ladies gained valuable qualifications and experience, they have been supported back into employment.”

Lisa Ramage Learning & Development Adviser for the Pennaf Housing Group, which includes Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, said:

“We’re delighted to support this excellent initiative by providing work placements at our various schemes, where trainees can build up confidence and practical skills to add to their CVs and discuss at interview.

“It’s a tribute to all involved, including the trainees, our scheme managers and Groundworks North Wales, who provided the excellent training, that there has been such a successful outcome.

“We are very proud of having Janet and Alex as part of the Llys Raddington team and we wish them well and would like to congratulate them on their hard work.”

Communities for Work Plus is a Welsh Government programme working to support, upskill and offer experience to individuals helping improve their chances of employment.

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association is a registered Social Landlord operating across six counties in north and mid Wales. 

Nia Parry and Debbie Barker, Lead Officers with Communities For Work Plus, Alex and Janet with Lisa Ramage and Carol Thomas, Senior Extra Care Manager at Llys Raddington

A view of the restaurant