YOU’RE HIRED!

Published by Claire Tinston for IPB Communications in Housing and also in Communities

After spending more than a year looking for work, a Merthyr man is now looking forward to starting a new career after being taken on by a local company.

Lee Thomas completed an HND in Computing Studies last summer but was unable to find permanent work despite continuous job-hunting.

In June, he started a six week work placement with community regeneration specialist Frank Haslam Milan (FHM), organised through Working Links Wales.

The team at FHM were so impressed with the 24-year-old they have now offered him a permanent position as a construction operative within the firm.

Lee, who studied at Cardiff University, said: “I’d been looking for work on and off since August last year – sometimes I would get a temporary job but only for three or four weeks.

“It was frustrating as I really wanted to work but just couldn’t find anything.

“When I started the placement at FHM, I enjoyed it straight away and couldn’t believe it when they offered me the job – I’m very excited and really grateful to be given an opportunity.”

FHM is currently working across Merthyr Tydfil on behalf of Merthyr Valleys Homes, fitting 830 new kitchens and bathrooms to the Association’s properties.

Lee, who is from Dowlais, will be involved in all aspects of the company’s work to begin with, including administration, production and site management.

His placement and subsequent employment are part of FHM’s commitment to invest in the communities in which they work.

Contracts Manager John Boyle said: “Lee is a great lad, we could all tell from the start that he wanted to work and he impressed everyone with his work ethic. He’ll be a great asset to our team.

“Unemployment in this area is higher than average which is why we wanted to get involved in this project and help local unemployed people gain skills and experience.

“Lee is a local lad and Dowlais, where he grew up, is one of the areas we are carrying out work. We’re really pleased to have him on board – he has a bright future with FHM.”

Lee is amongst several people to be given work placement opportunities with FHM through Working Links.

The scheme works in some of the most deprived areas of Britain to address challenges faced by people who are long-term unemployed.

Since 2000 it has helped over 220,000 people change their lives by supporting them into sustainable employment.