The Neath Port Talbot Workways Team had much to celebrate recently as Mentor Robert Lock received the Workplace Tutor of the Year award.
The “Inspire!” Adult Tutor and Mentor Awards 2009/10, organised by NIACE Dysgu Cymru, was held at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli. It was an opportunity to celebrate adult learning and recognise the individuals whose hard work and dedication has changed lives for the better.
Rob Lock, or ‘Locky’ as he is affectionately known, is a member of the South West Workways delivery team, a project part-funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.
After spending 28 years as a miner, Rob made a career change to support young people working on Community Project Teams, and in 2004 joined the Workways Team as a Mentor. ‘The last six years have been truly enjoyable,’ said Rob, ‘the support offered through Workways allows people to make their own decisions on their return to work options. The biggest thing I enjoy is that it gives people opportunities to change their lives.’
Rob was nominated for the all-Wales award by former Workways participant Maggie Jenkins, who he helped back to work following a two year absence.
Rob added that being a Mentor is more than just a job. ‘You really go through the emotions with your clients – when they start work, receive their first payslip, gain a qualification. When you see people change their lives for the better it really gives you the job satisfaction everyone craves.’
The South West Workways project is led by Neath Port Talbot Council in collaboration with City and County of Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire County Councils and is supported by almost £17 million from the European Social Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.
Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Cllr Ali Thomas said, “We were extremely pleased to hear of Robert’s success. He is an excellent example of someone who has changed career path and has made a fine contribution to our successful Workways project”.
The £25 million project will tackle the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing the labour market before matching local people with job opportunities, helping them gain the vital experience needed to find long term employment.
