Celtic Couriers work with Mencap on jobs initiative

Burry Port delivery firm Celtic Couriers Ltd has been working with Mencap Cymru on a new jobs initiative.
The ‘Real Opportunities’ project helps to deliver individually-tailored packages of work preparation and supported employment.
In the case of Celtic Couriers, it has seen 18-year-old Luke Jones from Carmarthen successfully complete a five-week work experience placement with the firm.
“Real Opportunities is an exciting initiative and when we heard about it we were delighted to be able to help out,” said Celtic Couriers general manager Gareth Jenkins.
“Luke is a very likeable and helpful young man and he was very keen to get hands-on experience of the world of work with us at Celtic Couriers.
“During the course of his stay, he gained a thorough grounding in our working practices and plenty of experience helping our courier driver Kevin Jones with deliveries and collections.
“I know my staff members thoroughly enjoyed having Luke on board. As a project, Real Opportunities is one that I would heartily recommend to other local businesses.
“It is a very rewarding project aimed at building the self-esteem and confidence of youngsters who have special needs in what is a hugely competitive jobs market.
“Hopefully, we have made some small contribution to getting Luke moving towards that all important first step on the jobs ladder.”
Tom Clark, the Carmarthen-based employment coordinator for Mencap Cymru, said he was delighted with Luke’s placement at Celtic Couriers.
He added: “Luke was made to feel very welcome and encouraged to get involved with the delivery and collection jobs. It has helped him develop his social skills and it has raised his confidence.”
Luke said that he thoroughly enjoyed his work placement with Celtic Couriers.
“I really enjoyed going out and about in the vans and it was great meeting and talking to different people.”
Pictures above:
Luke Jones, with Celtic Couriers delivery driver Kevin Jones.
And
Luke Jones, with, left to right, Celtic Couriers general manager Gareth Jenkins, delivery driver Kevin Jones and Tom Clark, the Carmarthen-based employment coordinator for Mencap Cymru.

About the ‘Real Opportunities’ project
Real Opportunities is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) to deliver individually-tailored packages of work preparation and supported employment.
Mencap Cymru has been contracted to provide the employment element of the project within the counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Torfaen.
Project participants are primarily young people aged between 14 and 19 who have special needs. The objective of the project is to motivate young people and others in their life to prepare for the future by working with them to raise aspirations and motivation, increase participation in learning, volunteering and employment opportunities and therefore take steps towards a more meaningful adult life.
The project works in a ‘person-centred’ way and provides appropriate support for a successful transition from education to vocational training and employment. Information, knowledge and skills gained will be disseminated to other agencies and organisations and stakeholders across Wales and beyond so that ‘best practice’ can benefit as many people as possible.
The project will develop a ‘Toolkit’ of good practice and procedural guidance in the design and operation of the elements linked to evaluation outcomes.

About Celtic Couriers:
Key facts –
We have 17 vans and four lorries, ranging from 7.5t, 18t, 24t and 44t.
We have bought nine new Citroen Vans in the last two years.
We have 31 Employees.
We have been trading 23 years.
We deliver and collect on average 55 pallets a day.
In January our vehicles covered 85,000 miles
In January we purchased 3500 gallons of fuel
We've built our reputation through providing innovation and believe in having close contact with our customers to ensure that both our long-term interests are met. Frequent, fast, flexible and efficient, we can take everything from documents through to 1250kg pallets and transport them to local, national and European destinations.
Our delivery times cover next day before 9am, before noon, before 5pm or at a time specified by you. If you want service levels like these that are second to none - talk to Celtic Couriers.
Celtic Couriers was formed in 1989 by Gail and Ivor Skinner who are still the directors of this local company.
Celtic Couriers cares passionately about all its customers and is always endeavouring to seek ways to enhance its service levels.
We are shareholders in APC Overnight, the largest next day parcel delivery network with more than 120 depots in the UK.
In the 2011 Independent Industry report, APC have been rated Top for the following:
· Customer Service
· Quality of Transport
· Service Levels
· Collects on Time
· Image
· Delivers on Time
· Cares About Me
· Customer Loyalty
· Solves Customers Problems
Celtic Couriers are also licensees for the Fortec Pallet Distribution Network, the premium next-day and economy pallet distribution service.
Contact details
Call: +44 (0) 1554 835490
Email: info@celticcouriers.co.uk
Fax: +44 (0) 1554 835059
Celtic Couriers Limited, Unit 1 Burry Port Industrial Estate, Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0NN