Workways project helps get Mark back into work after 14 years jobless

A Llanelli man has transformed his life after being helped to get his first job in 14 years.
Mark Simlett had been the sole carer for both his parents for many years, and after his father’s death continued to care for his mother.
When his mother passed away in 2009, Mark was hit hard.
He said: “For a long time I was very lost. Looking back, it was a scary place to be – I had to dig deep to get through each day.”
Despite his best efforts to gain stability by finding employment, 54-year-old Mark had been out of work for so long he was unable to get any job interviews.
As a result, he turned to Workways for support and thanks to them has now secured two cleaning jobs – one with CBSA for Business and Social Action and one with Five Roads Primary School.
South West Workways, an EU-backed employment project, helped Mark through a confidence building course; training and CV assistance; support to search for job vacancies, and access to a paid temporary job which gave him the vital experience needed to find employment.
Mark added: “Workways helped me to work out the right choices for my career. It meant a lot to know there was always someone there to help me if I had a problem or if I wasn’t sure how to fill in an application form. The confidence they gave me made a massive difference.”
When Mark secured a pair of cleaning jobs, he said that to say he was pleased was an understatement.
“It’s a freedom to know that I’ve got a job to go to,” he said. “To know that my finances are going alright and to know that I don’t have to worry any more. I’m ready for tomorrow now - before it was the opposite.
“Workways really turned it around for me – they’ve been a Godsend. Rather than what can you do for them, it was always a case of what can they do for you,” he said.
Workways mentor Martin Morgan said he was full of praise for how far Mark had come with the project.
“We had faith in him and knew he’d get there in the end,” he said. “Initially, Mark didn’t believe in himself but gradually it changed – he now has confidence he can do it.”
South West Workways provides support to help people overcome the barriers which prevent them from finding work.
The project is backed by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government and is led by Neath Port Talbot Council in collaboration with Carmarthenshire, Bridgend, Pembrokeshire and Swansea Councils.
For more information about Workways call 01554 744322 or visit www.workways.co.uk