A CEREDIGION man was able to get employment in his dream job thanks to a Welsh Government programme.

Owen Harrison had been unemployed for more than a year and due to not having qualifications after leaving school in year 8, he was finding it more difficult to get a new job.

He visited a Lampeter job fair and was introduced to Catrin, a Communities for Work+ (CFW+) employer liaison officer, who was able to put him on the Welsh Government funded CFW+ programme.

He was referred to mentor Rachel Tuck. Rachel said: “I learned quite quickly that Owen wanted to become a tree surgeon as some of his family were in that industry and therefore had some experience. He was happy to be outdoors and working in all weather and did not want an office job.”

Owen didn’t have the funds to enrol on the chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting course and also needed personal protective equipment.

He was offered a job with R.T.S Tree Specialist LTD but was told he must complete the relevant qualifications to be able to take the job.

In March 2023, after support from his mentor and CFW+, he was able to attend a three-day training course was successful in getting the subsequent qualification. The qualification was funded by the Welsh Government through the CFW+ programme and he received glowing reports from the assessor and training provider in relation to his positive attitude to the work.

The PPE he needed was funded by CFW+ and in May, he started working for the company who initially offered him the job.

“This is an excellent outcome for Owen and credit to his determination to succeed. We are very proud of him,” said Rachel.

Cllr Wyn Thomas, Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet member for lifelong learning and skills, said: “Owen has showed us how the right support like the CFW+ service can impact positively on young people’s lives.

“The support from the team has helped him to secure a full-time position, however, his positive attitude to learn has contributed massively to where he is now. Well done Owen, I hope that you have a long and successful career.”

Anyone who may benefit from the Welsh Government’s CFW+ service can contact Ceredigion County Council on TCC=EST@ceredigion.gov.uk or call 01970 633422.