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Welsh Recruitment

As well as campaigning for those sections of society that have previously been disadvantaged or discriminated against in the jobs market, Opportunities for All is all about equality. Occasionally, there are those of us who may come up against barriers to employment due to circumstances outside our control. Paul Napier, a lone parent, found himself in such a situation when he returned to Wales after a sustained period of time working abroad. Opportunities for All showcases his story and illustrates how, no matter what your circumstances or social standing, employment is possible if you seize the opportunity.


Opportunities for all


(Picture: Paul Napier)

Paul Napier is 39 and works for DASH training, a Jobcentre Plus provider. He talks to Welsh Recruitment about how he ended up tutoring the very same jobseeker course that he attended himself.

After working for 8 years overseas, I returned to the UK in June last year. I was involved in managing sales for a holiday resort and had a steady income. Relocation back to the UK was difficult, especially as a lone parent and father of two. I found myself unemployed and consequently on benefits. This went on for 6 months, until I received an invitation to the Jobseekers Mandatory Attendance Course. I attended the course for the compulsory 3 days, at which time I heard that somebody who worked there was retiring. I took the initiative and asked for a job, and here I am, 8 months later!

“The course itself is non-judgemental and its main aim is to help those who want to get back into full employment.”

It primarily focuses on confidence building, motivation and self-assessment. It’s about identifying transferable skills so that jobseekers can become more flexible. We explain what employers are looking for when it comes to scripting applications, letters and CVs properly. The course enables a structured action plan for the benefits agency. But much more importantly, my job is highly rewarding. I find that I am able to relate to the participants since I was in a similar situation when I was unemployed.

“The success rate is staggering; we have an 85% attendance rate, with a 72% positive outcome.”

I receive a large quantity of thank you mails, which just goes to show how much our scheme is appreciated. We’re now 18 months through a 2-year pilot programme, and I’m confident that it has a strong chance of success.
The Mandatory Jobseekers Attendance Course was recently visited by Peter Hain, The Secretary of State for Wales and for the Department of Work and Pensions. He was particularly impressed by the confidence and motivation that it instilled within its participants.

If you would like further information on the Course or more about Jobcentre Plus in general, please visit the Jobcentre Plus website at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk