Tai Tarian Helps More People Back Into Employment

A ground-breaking employment initiative launched by social housing provider Tai Tarian has enjoyed even more success. 

The Copper Foundation aims to help people who struggle to find work a route back into employment.  Recruits are given 12-month contracts and work alongside Tai Tarian’s team of experienced tradespeople to gain knowledge and experience in a number of fields.

Now, just one year after launching, the project has seen another member of staff go on to secure a full time role – taking the total to five who have gained employment.

Grzegorz Michalski, was one of the first recruits to be taken on by the Copper Foundation last summer.  After impressing during his year with Tai Tarian, the single dad from the Afan Valley has gone on to secure a full-time role with ASW Property Services, a local company specialising in property repairs, maintenance and management.

Speaking about his new role, Grzegorz said, “I am really excited about starting my new role with ASW Property Services.  I’ve learnt so much during my year with the Copper Foundation including carpentry and fencing skills. 

“I am very grateful to Tai Tarian for giving me the opportunity to gain this experience and I look forward to using these skills in my new role.”

Anthony Thomas, Managing Director at ASW Property Services said, “We’ve worked with Tai Tarian on a number of projects over the years.  The Copper Foundation is a great initiative and when Grzegorz applied for a role with us we were only too pleased to give him this opportunity.

“We were impressed with the skills he had learned in a relatively short period of time and his work ethic.  We are looking forward to him joining our team.”

Aled Guy is Tai Tarian’s Senior Operations Officer and is responsible for managing the Copper Foundation project.  This latest success follows on from four Copper Foundation recruits also gaining employment – two working in Tai Tarian’s neighbourhood team and two with external companies.

He said, “I’m really thrilled that Grzegorz has secured a new role.  He’s worked really hard over the past year and it’s great to see him get this opportunity. 

“This means that all five Copper Foundation recruits who completed their year’s training with us have been successful in gaining further employment.

“The project is set to expand over the coming years, so the success that Grzegorz and the other four recruits have had will be a great incentive for those who are just starting out with us.”

As well as work experience, Copper Foundation recruits receive mentoring and advice on how to compile CVs, fill in job application forms and interview technique training.

Around 80 people will be given opportunities through the Foundation over five years as part of Tai Tarian’s commitment to making a difference in the local community.