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After 35 years of working in the engineering sector, Ron had retired. Putting up his feet and watching the world go by Ron realised he missed the routine and social interactions of a job. Ron decided he wanted to get a new part time job, something different to his previous role.
Working Wales referred Ron to the Neath Port Talbot Workways+ team. Workways+ helps people get jobs through 1-1 support, training, paid work experience and introductions to employers. Workways+ welcomed Ron and assigned him a mentor, Vicky.

Vicky helped Ron develop his IT skills to help him apply for jobs and advised that part time opportunities are common in the hospitality sector. Vicky arranged for Ron to undertake Barista, First Aid and Food Safety training and Workways+ funded them. Ron completed them all and now has the certificates. After consideration, Ron felt that hospitality wasn’t the opportunity he was looking for.

Next, Vicky suggested working in care as a Personal Assistant funded through ‘Direct Payments’.  Direct Payments are cash payments given to the person requiring care by Neath Port Talbot Council, enabling them to pay for their own care and support instead of the Council arranging services for them. The PA role really appealed to Ron and he asked Vicky to help him apply. With support from Vicky, Ron interviewed for two care posts and was successful in both. Ron now supports two Neath Port Talbot residents and is employed for 16 hours per week, exactly what he wanted.

Ron said, “Vicky was absolutely excellent, wonderful. The PA role is a million miles from my previous career and it is such a positive change for me. The role of a PA appeals to my caring side and it is very rewarding helping people enjoy their lives. I would say that anyone looking to get back into work, no matter their age, should give Workways+ a call”.

Workways+ is part funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.