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DAVID LIFTS WATES!

Published: 01/09/2016

A local man has found employment thanks to Flintshire Communities First. David Jones first approached Communities First at the Bryn Gwalia Work Club in October 2014 having been unemployed for over 3 years. Through the training and support of LIFT, which included a 1:1 mentor, David gained employment on a short term contract in October 2015 carrying out production work. When this contract ended, Communities First, through their prosperity team, helped David obtain a work trial on the SERS construction site in Flint. Following a successful work trial he was offered employment as part of the tower block upgrade until the contract was complete. During his time at SERS, he was successful in obtaining employee of the month. Communities First is heavily involved in the communities benefits programme in Flintshire and has excellent links with Wates Living Space Homes (Wates) as well as other businesses in the area. Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Derek Butler, said: “Our staff have continuously supported David on his journey into employment and they became aware that his contract with SERS was coming to an end. After liaising with Wates, they were able to inform David of vacancy with the company, which he was very happy to accept.” David started work on site in Flint on 15 August 2016. He said: “Without the excellent opportunities LIFT and Communities First have given me, this would never have been possible, continued support whilst I was in employment was a key factor in me getting where I am today.” Joanne Jamieson, Managing Director of Wates Living Space Homes, said: “In the year since our appointment as Flintshire County Council’s development partner for the Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme, we have worked closely with the Council and local stakeholders, such as Communities First, to ensure that the investment in new homes creates opportunities for local people. “This is a commitment that we will continue to uphold throughout our delivery of this flagship programme as we look to provide further on-site training and employment initiatives for the county.” Contact Nia Parry at Communities First to discuss opportunities around Community Benefits 01244 846090. From the left: Mick Cunningham - Wates Site Manager, Sharon Jones - Flintshire Communities First Cluster Manager East, Joanne Jamieson - Wates Managing Director, David Jones, Clare Budden - FCC Chief Officer for Community and Enterprise, Cllr Derek Butler - Cabinet Member for Economic Development