Remploy, the UK's leading provider of employment services for disabled people, aims to help more people from the Newport area into mainstream employment in 2007 than ever before.
Having beaten their 2006 targets, the Remploy team is confident that its success can continue and hopes to double the number of disabled people it helps into work during the next 12 months.
Remploy, which has an office in Devon Place, provides tailored support to enable people with disabilities to find suitable employment. Help includes support with CV writing, interview skills and confidence building. These skill sessions are delivered through group workshops and one to one sessions with trained employment advisors. Further support is provided once a candidate is in employment in order to ensure their workplace development continues.
One person to benefit after working with Remploy is Paul Kelly, 31 from Malpas, whose perseverance has paid off following more than 200 job rejections. He said: "My Remploy employment advisor has kept me motivated over the last six months by helping me search for jobs and develop my CV.
"I start as a clerk with Newport City Council next week and am so pleased to have an opportunity to prove myself in the workplace again."
Natalie Orentas is an employment advisor for Remploy in Newport. She said: "Remploy is relatively new to the Newport area and during the first year in operation we have made our mark in helping people into mainstream employment. We have worked with people who have been out of employment for some time, and those who need specialist support with the job search process, back in to the workplace.
"We want to work with lots of employers across the area so that people do not end up in any job, but find the job that's right for them.
"Many people want the chance to switch from benefits to jobs, if only they are given the chance. Research has shown that getting a job can change lives for the better. It can aid rehabilitation, build confidence and increase independence.
"Remploy wants everyone to benefit from a full and rewarding working life, and we provide a range of support to help people achieve their potential."