A helping hand and hard work, has earned a new qualification and a full-time job for Jade Manning from Pembroke.

Jade (24) was the first applicant to a training loan scheme launched late last year and has set the path for many to follow. After a successful application for an interest free loan from the Danny Fellow Training Trust, Jade then completed a TIG welding course with Provident Training and has since secured a new job with a local manufacturing company, Consort.

Ed Spankie, managing director of Consort Claudgen in Milford Haven, said: “We are very pleased with Jade; because of good training she has settled in very quickly and seems happy here. We are very busy at the moment and being able to find skilled local people is really important for our long term strategy.”

The Danny Fellows Training Trust was set up in memory of Danny by friends and colleagues and is funded with donations from organisations, businesses and individuals. The trust is backed by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board who provide part funding for each loan.

“Danny was passionate about skills development and employment in our area,” said Laurence Holt, chairman of trustees. “The Trust aims to provide interest free loans to qualifying individuals so that they can develop their careers and ultimately improve the Pembrokeshire economy.”

Danny, who sadly died in 2014, was a well known union representative in the area and also held board posts with the Port of Milford Haven and Pembrokeshire College. His influence spread further than the county, with various roles advising the Welsh Government.

Applicants for a Danny Fellows Training Trust loan can be in work or unemployed. The fund aims to help people who do not qualify for Dept of Work and Pensions or Welsh Government grants or loans. An experienced panel drawn from local industry and training experts provides advice on each loan application. The 0 per cent interest loans must be used for industry-recognised qualifications in the energy, engineering and construction sector. The loan is paid directly from the Danny Fellow Training Trust to the training provider and is comprised 50 per cent from the Trust and 50 per cent from the Engineering, Construction Industry Training Board.

A new window for applications is open now up to September 31.

For more information or to apply for a loan, visit www.dannyfellowstrainingtrust.org.uk