A transformative employment support programme is making a real difference in the lives of residents across Blaenau Gwent. The Communities for Work Plus Programme, funded by the Welsh Government, is helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and build brighter futures through tailored support, training, and mentoring.
Delivered by a dedicated team of employment professionals—including Engagement Officers, Community Employment Mentors, and Employer Liaison training Officer—the programme offers a holistic approach to helping people aged 16 and over gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications needed to secure sustainable work.
Since April 2023, the programme has delivered impressive results:
- 1,240 individuals engaged, with 618 supported into employment (49.8% success rate)
- 188 individuals supported through the In-Work programme, with 65 securing better pay, more hours, or contracts
- 26 Sector Academies delivered to 207 participants, equipping them with skills, qualifications, and licences
- 266 participants received advice from CACBG, resulting in £174,398 in financial gains
- 1,037 individuals signposted to other services through early intervention and engagement
Empowering Individuals Through Personalised Support
The programme provides one-to-one mentoring, employment advice, and access to a Barriers and Training budget that helps cover essential costs such as transport, childcare, clothing, and equipment. This ensures that financial constraints do not stand in the way of opportunity.
Support is especially targeted at those furthest from the labour market, including individuals facing complex challenges such as long-term unemployment, low confidence, or lack of qualifications.
Helping the Underemployed Thrive
In addition to supporting jobseekers, the programme also offers an ‘In-Work’ support package—funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)—for individuals on zero-hour contracts or working fewer than 16 hours per week. This initiative helps people upskill, increase their hours, or transition into better-paid, more secure roles.
Sector Academies: Skills That Lead to Jobs
A key feature of the programme is its Sector Academies, developed in partnership with local employers and training providers. These intensive, industry-specific courses provide participants with the qualifications and licences needed to enter sectors such as construction, care, hospitality, retail, and education. Many participants are offered interviews upon completion, with several securing employment directly through these academies.
Integrated Advice and Support
Through a partnership with Citizens Advice Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent (CACBG), participants also receive timely support on issues such as debt, housing, and welfare benefits. This integrated approach ensures that individuals can focus on employment without the burden of unresolved personal challenges.
Councillor Sue Edmunds, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families says:
“This programme is about more than just finding jobs - it’s about changing lives. By addressing the full range of challenges people face, we’re helping them move forward with confidence and purpose. As a Marmot Council, we are committed to working to enable everyone to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives and to create fair employment and good work for all.”
Paige Powell is one person who has benefitted from the programme. After completing A levels, Paige shifted focus from criminology to beauty therapy, funding nail and pedicure training through her part-time job. She began offering treatments from home and, with guidance from a mentor and support from Business Enterprise, the Prince’s Trust, and Business Wales, developed a business plan. She secured a venue in Ebbw Vale and identified a market gap in lash and brow treatments. Although ineligible for some funding, the Barrier Fund covered training and equipment. Weekly mentoring helped her prepare for her launch.
Paige commented: “The support from Communities for Work Plus has been amazing, I definitely would not have been in the position I am without them.”
For more information about the Communities for Work Plus Programme, or to find out how to get involved, go to: www.communitiesforwork.co.uk, or CfW+triage@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk