Staff at Seetec's Pontypridd
centre recently held an official open day for partners,
employers and customers to mark the launch of Seetec's first welsh
centre.
The new centre which opened its doors in June
offers people support and advice through the New Deal for Disabled
People programme and welcomes people who are claiming health
related benefits who would like to find or return to work.
The event was very well attended with visitors
from partner organisations including Want 2 Work, Jobmatch,
Jobcentre Plus, Careers Wales, Progress 2 Work, Communities First,
as well as customers who were keen to talk about their success
through the NDDP programme. Visitors also received an informal
demonstration of Seetec's online learning resource; the learners
intranet.
Since the Pontypridd centre opened, the NDDP
team have helped many customers back into work; including Carol
Williams who is now self-employed and has set up in business as
'Shine & Sparkle', offering domestic cleaning.
With the moral support and guidance of
Employment Consultant Kath Kelly and financial assistance from
Seetec, Carol was able to cover her start up costs, which, whilst
not extensive, were essential before she could begin trading. She
is now working less than 16 hours per week under Permitted Work
rules with a view to extending her hours as her business grows and
her reputation spreads.