A FLINTSHIRE jobs scheme is celebrating success for two of their former pupils who attended a 'Pathway into Catering' course last year, run in partnership with Clwyd Alyn Housing Association.

The course, run by Communities for Work Plus, gave local residents the chance to gain training, skills and experience in catering and domestic roles.

Janet Bentley was referred to Communities for Work Plus by the job centre and Alex Jones through the parent liaison officer at Ysgol Gwynedd in Flint. Both had not worked for a number of years when they attended the Catering Pathway and gained a number of qualifications including food hygiene, manual handling, health and safety and customer service.

During the 12 months since completing the Pathway course, both Janet and Alex have been supported by a mentor. They were both able to carry out work placements at the Old Court House café in Flint, Llys Eleanor in Shotton and with Aura Leisure in the catering department.

They have now both now secured positions in the newly opened facility, Llys Raddington, in Flint.

Alex Jones said: ''The mentoring and work experience following the course were great and really helped to enhance my CV and give me some up-to-date work experience. My confidence and skills have increased enormously.''

Janet Bentley said: ''This whole experience has been so positive and has made such a difference. I have gained qualifications and skills and now have a job as a catering assistant in this wonderful new facility in Flint.''

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Derek Butler, said: ''This is a really good news story and shows what can be achieved when organisations like Flintshire County Council and Clwyd Alun Housing Association work together in partnership. Not only have these ladies gained valuable qualifications and experience, they have been supported back into employment.''

Clwyd Alyn Housing Association is a registered Social Landlord operating across six counties in north and mid Wales.