A retirement home for horses has credited a scheme intended to support young people into work for its success.
Happy Horse Retirement Home at Crai, near Brecon, was the first business of its kind when it was set up in 1989; boasting 90 acres of land in the Brecon Beacons National Park. 28 years later, the family-run company is going from strength to strength thanks to its quality staff employed through Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales programme which is part funded by the European Social Fund.
Jobs Growth Wales allows employers to offer a part-funded six-month job opportunity to young people and create new roles within their organisation. Recruits are paid a wage and benefit from gaining vital work experience and furthering their on-the-job skills, while also supporting Welsh businesses to grow.
Owner Nicky Van Dijk said: “Jobs Growth Wales has been of great value for a small business like ours in the equine industry. We’ve had four recruits and two have stayed on to further their career. One is now my manager and the other, my assistant manager. They’re huge assets to the team.
“Working with animals, we need people with commitment and loyalty; all applicants that applied for the positions here were excellent and ready for work. I would highly recommend Jobs Growth Wales to any other business.”
Assistant manager Marc Pugh, 20, from Llanfaredd said: “When I finished college, I spent so much time looking for a job. I’ve had horses all my life and have three of my own now, so when I heard about Jobs Growth Wales and this position; it was so appealing.
“We’ve got 48 horses on the yard in total and each one has its own personality; it’s great to see them get better and enjoy the rest of their years here with our help."
Marc, who has just completed a British Horse Society stage 3 qualification in Horse Knowledge, Care and Riding, was recognised for his dedication and commitment, at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2016, receiving the Jobs Growth Wales Outstanding Achiever of the Year Award.
“I would definitely recommend Jobs Growth Wales to young people like me. The opportunities are amazing and I’ve achieved so much.”
Minister for Skills and Science, Julie James, said: “Jobs Growth Wales is the perfect opportunity for keen, able and work-ready 16-24-year-olds to kick-start their career and gain valuable skills and experience of the workplace. Our aim is to make sure everyone eligible for the programme is aware of the opportunities available.
“The Welsh Government is committed to delivering more and better jobs for Wales, through a stronger and fairer economy and Jobs Growth Wales enables businesses like Happy Horse Retirement Home to grow, which is good news for the wider Welsh economy. At the same time it gives young people like Marc the chance they need to get a foothold in employment and demonstrate their enormous potential."
To access Jobs Growth Wales, 16 and 17-year-olds need to go to Careers Wales while those aged 18-24 should contact Jobcentre Plus.
For more information on Jobs Growth Wales and the latest vacancies, visit www.careerswales.com, follow @jobsgrowthwales on Twitter or find JobsGrowthWales on Facebook. Employers can find out more and express their interest by visiting businesswales.gov.wales/skillsgateway.