Awards honour top employers in Wales

Employers in Wales were celebrating on Tuesday 10 March at a prestigious awards ceremony in the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. The event recognised the success of employers who had signed up to Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs) with Jobcentre Plus. These agreements aim to help the long-term unemployed and other customers back into work.

The ceremony was hosted by Tim Campbell – winner of the first series of The Apprentice, and founder of the Bright Ideas Trust.

Last year’s winner in the National LEP Awards, Debenhams (North Wales), were again recognised, this time for their innovative approach to recruitment; while Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind (MTIB) were presented with the ‘Partnership Works’ award, for building excellent relationships with Government and third parties - to secure jobs that benefit the local community.

Newport Transport scooped the prize for their work in ‘Unlocking Talent’, while another Gwent firm, Wiltan, were awarded for their ‘Commitment to Diversity’. The Pontypool-based manufacturer, which has given ex-offenders the chance to turn their lives around, were also announced as overall winner at the Awards, having been presented with top gong for ‘Outstanding Achievement’.

An emotional Alison Itani, director of Wiltan Ltd, said:

"This recognition is not about the company, it's about the individuals, and the fact they have proved themselves to be skilled and reliable workers."

As overall winner, Wiltan will now go head-to-head with other regional winners from around the UK at the National awards, being held in London on June 9.

The Wales LEP Awards also celebrated the achievement of people who have found work as a result of the partnership agreements.

Jimmy McGreachan, from Wrexham, walked away with the ‘Getting Back to Work’ award. Jimmy, once a full-time carer, for his disabled wife and three daughters, is now responsible for security at his local Debenhams store.

Alexandra Kelland, of Merthyr - who works as a customer service adviser for British Gas - was honoured with the ‘Work Skills’ award, for making significant strides in personal development, despite having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Speaking at the event, the Welsh Assembly’s Deputy Skills Minister, John Griffiths, said:

"It is right that we celebrate the success of Local Employment Partnerships in Wales.  I am pleased to see that the performance of the initiative here compares very favourably with that in other parts of the UK, with some 7,400 people helped into work through the scheme so far.

"It is good to see that the initiative is progressing so well, benefiting both unemployed people and employers – it is very encouraging to note the number of employers 'signing up' to LEPs.  Without their support, LEPs would not work."

Linda Badman, Jobcentre Plus Director for Wales, said:

"We want to do more to help people take advantage of the opportunities that are out there.  And also, importantly, to provide help for people who have recently been made redundant. That is why, from April, we will be extending the scheme to include newly unemployed people, ensuring they have early access to help and support through Local Employment Partnerships."

Award Winners

• Outstanding LEP Achievement - Wiltan Ltd
• Recruitment Innovation Award - Debenhams (North Wales)
• Commitment to Diversity Award - Wiltan Ltd
• Unlocking Talent Award - Newport Transport
• Partnership Works Award - Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind
• Getting Back to Work Award - Jimmy McGreachan
• Work Skills Award - Alexandra Kelland