An EU-backed initiative which helps into work young people who are not in education, employment or training, is going from strength to strength since its launch in April 2018.

The latest success is a Milford Haven young man who has gained full-time employment with Pembrokeshire County Council after a successful paid work placement funded by the project Cam Nesa.

Josh Thomas was referred to the Cam Nesa project in September 2019 by Milford Haven Job Centre.

He first met with Cam Nesa within a week of being referred to undertake an initial assessment to discuss what career path he would like and they compiled an individual action plan to help make this happen.

Josh had been eager to get into office work since completing his A-levels in 2016 and was keen to gain employment in the field of administration or finance.

He worked closely with his worker who supported Josh with his employability skills such as CV, cover letter, application writing and interview skills as well as putting him in touch with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Legal Department which was looking for support.

In January 2020, Josh was successful in gaining a paid work placement with Pembrokeshire County Council’s legal department and after six months of this scheme he was offered a full time role with them after proving his commitment and professionalism throughout the placement.

Rhian Young, his line manager, said: “We were all impressed with Josh. His commitment, professional attitude and hard work earned this opportunity and he is proving himself an asset to my team.”

Josh added: “I would like to thanks Cam Nesa, Fran and the team, for helping me get this opportunity which will hopefully kick start a career.

“I would also recommend them to anyone who is currently in a similar situation in terms of wanting to pick a career path or just unsure about what they want to do for work, especially in these uncertain times”.

Cam Nesa worker, Fran Wisby, congratulated Josh and explained: “It was a pleasure working and supporting Josh. He deserved this opportunity. He was always initiating progress and showed great commitment.”

Cam Nesa is a £5.7million project supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government which works with 16 to 24-year-olds in West Wales by providing them with a range of tailored personal support and work-related opportunities.

The project is led by Pembrokeshire County Council and delivered in partnership with fellow local authorities.

For more details on Cam Nesa, phone: 01437 775845.