A FATHER-OF-ONE has won a battle with unemployment, thanks to a housing association and social enterprise partnership.
Cartrefi Conwy tenant David Gathern, 33, from Old Colwyn, suffered unemployment for more than two years.
The former Waste Management worker struggled to get interviews for jobs during his period of unemployment, despite sending his CV out to potential employers on a daily basis.
David came to social enterprise Crest Co-operative as a volunteer in October 2012. He was soon offered a paid job role with Crest Co-operative, working on a Cartrefi Conwy fencing painting contract in the Peulwys housing estate, Old Colwyn.
In March 2012 David was offered an extended contract on a new 12 month agreement with Crest Co-operative and Cartrefi Conwy. This role involved working in a team to clear unoccupied Cartrefi Conwy properties that became vacant or ‘voids.’ The second part of the job role was to join a team of reactive maintenance workers, working to clear waste after repairs and maintenance had been carried out.
- David Gathen leads a team of reactive workers
David is now expecting his second child with his partner Ceri and has secured a permanent job role working for Crest Co-operative as Assistant Operations Manager.
He will now be line managing a small team, as part of the 12 month Crest Co-operative and Cartrefi Conwy agreement. He will also be responsible for health and safety, compliance and electrical re-use, as part of his role with Crest Co-operative.
David Gathern said: “It’s great to have a secure job now. I came to Crest Co-operative because I knew that they helped people to feel socially included and they have strong ethics.
“From a Cartrefi Conwy tenants point of view it’s great to be involved in all the work that they are doing for the community.
“I’m enjoying the opportunity that I’ve been given and my confidence has improved,” David added.
Rod Williams, Operations Director at Crest Co-operative, said: “David’s willingness to volunteer, and his flexible working approach really impressed me. He is keen to learn, which is why he has developed his skills and knowledge and secured full time employment at Crest. He is now managing his own team, and he is working to strengthen Crest Co-operative’s partnership with Cartrefi Conwy.”
Andrew Bowden, Chief Executive at Cartrefi Conwy, said: It’s great to see the real difference our partnership with Crest Co-operative is making to peoples life.
“We are constantly looking at ways in which we can create sustainable communities to be proud of and this is excellent example of what can be achieved.”