Landmark for Tai Tarian’s employment initiative 

The Copper Foundation, Tai Tarian’s ground-breaking employment initiative has reached a notable milestone, by taking in its 10th cohort of recruits.  

The scheme, which was launched in 2017, aims to give people who are struggling to find work a route back into employment. People enrolling on the scheme are given 12-month contracts with the social housing provider. During this time, they receive training, skills and experience which will help them go on to find further employment.  

Since the scheme launched, the foundation has given opportunities to 75 people in total. It has seen them work on around 600 properties, enhancing their appearance and security through our external improvement programme.  

The new recruits are all from the Sandfields area of Port Talbot and will mainly be working in this area.  

One of the new recruits for the Copper Foundation is Rhys Bowen. He said:  
“I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into working with the Copper Foundation. It’s a great opportunity to further myself, learn new skills and gain valuable experience.  

“I’ll mainly be working in the area where I live and helping to enhance its appearance, so it is something I’m really looking forward to.  

“We’ve already done some initial training and it’s been a great experience so far, working with a great bunch of people and learning loads.”  

Nick Cope, Tai Tarian’s Head of Capital Investment said:  
“We are delighted to welcome another seven members to the Copper Foundation.   

“The project is all about giving people a great experience of the world of work and over the next 12 months they will undergo numerous training courses and play a huge part in improving the external areas of our properties. 

“During their 12 months with us they will gain a whole host of practical experience, working alongside our experienced team of tradespeople. But, just as importantly we’ll also be providing them with additional support such as interview technique training and advice on how to write CVs and fill in job application forms, to prepare them for the next stage of their careers.”