AN EMPLOYABILITY programme courtesy of a partnership between a major car manufacturer, a local charity and Flintshire Council is proving a major success

Toyota Thrive, in collaboration with the Japanese manufacture's UK Charitable Trust, Groundwork North Wales and the council, is helping people into work.

Over three years Groundwork North Wales has received £30,000 from the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust for employability programmes.

This year’s programme has taken on five individuals aged between 16 and 24 on Work Placement Opportunities for a total period of 20 weeks.

This week the Toyota Thrive participants and the project managers visited the Toyota Manufacturing UK site in Deeside to officially receive the funding.

During their site visit they found out how the money was raised, and which other groups and charities receive funding from Toyota.

In total Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK’s Deeside and Burnaston plants have raised over £355,000 throughout 2019, supporting 92 charities.

Since its creation in 2008, the Trust and the company have raised over £6.3m for good causes. Funds which are mainly raised through Lean Approach Seminars held on site at the Burnaston facility.

The placements will comprise of eight weeks in house training with Groundwork North Wales.

There participants will gain STEM associated accreditation in various fields such as catering, customer services, retail, health and social care, woodwork, conservation/ outdoor activities, IT and communication skills.

Participants will move into work placements with external employers suited to their individual skills.

Sharon Jones, from Communities for Work and Communities for Work Plus Delivery in Flintshire, said: “The Toyota Thrive programme shows great partnership working between Groundwork North Wales, Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust and Flintshire County Council.

"It is fantastic to see that some of our clients where successful in gaining a place on this important programme”.

Lisa Jones project manager for Groundwork North Wales is delighted with the response to the programme

She said: “I was delighted with the response to the programme. It is fantastic to see young people so keen to get involved with the chance to gain on the job experience and skills”.

To find out more about the programme contact Lisa or Teleri on 01978 757 524 / lisa.jones@groundworknorthwales.org.uk / Teleri.jones@groundworknorthwales.org.uk