FIVE young apprentices at Vision Products have moved into full-time and part-time employment for a further six months, during the most challenging time in the company’s 27-year history.
Apprentices Gareth Williams, Shaun Donovan, Karl John, Josh Watts and Matthew Fear are all delighted to have gained full-time employment at Vision Products, which is run as a supported business by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
The main aim of Vision Products is to provide a range of cost-effective and appropriate training and development opportunities to support individuals with disabilities.
This is done by the provision of the PVCu manufacturing department, the Integrated Community Equipment Service, Mobility Shops and the Technology and Servicing Department.
Vision Products works in partnership with a range of organisations and the Council’s Education department to provide an apprenticeship scheme for young people with disabilities.
The 12-month long scheme gives individuals leaving Special School, College or those who are not in employment or training, the opportunity to have paid meaningful work within a number of sections at Vision Products, while undertaking QCF, Essential Skills and any mandatory training that is required.
The individuals are supported by ‘Job Coaches’ who work with them closely to create a personalised work plan tailored to their needs. They provide on-job training and support, whilst encouraging social interaction and promoting a good work ethic.
Staff at Vision Products also work closely with parents of the individuals, providing holistic support if needed and assisting with work travel arrangements and aids, if required.
Councillor Geraint Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Adult Community Services and Welsh Language, said: “Despite these unprecedented and extremely challenging times, it is wonderful that Vision Products is continuing to invest in its workforce and has offered further employment to five apprentices.
“The company prides itself on its passion and professionalism and its commitment to its workers. I wish Shaun, Gareth, Matthew, Karl and Josh well with their respective careers.
“Vision Products continues to support people with disabilities in the workplace, overcoming barriers to employment and being an accredited disability confident leader.
“Over the years it has established itself as a brand that has stood the test of time, while at the same time changing and evolving.”
Sandra Davies, Vision Products Employment and Support Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome the five young staff members into full-time and part time employment for a further 6 months with us, having shown great potential and commitment during their apprenticeships.
“All five of them have worked throughout the challenging times of COVID-19, showing great flexibility in changing their shifts, and adapting to new roles. We now look forward to continuing to support the five individuals and watch them grow, develop and become confident to live and work independently.
We will be continuing our apprentice scheme again this year and work is currently taking place to recruit further apprentices to provide more people with workplace opportunities”
In 2020, Vision Products won the Wales Changing Lives Award at the Hospitality Wales Confident about Disability Awards in recognition of their work in being an employer which makes a real difference to people with disabilities or health conditions.
Vision Products provides a diverse range of products and services whilst delivering meaningful support, training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the local community.
Visit the Vision Products website
Posted on 18/02/2021