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Lord Bourne: "This diploma is a brilliant example of the innovation and creativity being used across Wales".

The first graduates of a ground-breaking pilot course in Wrexham are celebrating having passed with flying colours.

The 12 new alumni were awarded their Moneypenny Diploma in Call Handling Excellence – a course created by telephone answering specialist, Moneypenny, in partnership with Coleg Cambria and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

The participants, a mix of men and women from the local area, took part in the innovative pilot course which was designed by Moneypenny and Coleg Cambria to equip those looking for employment with the confidence and skills to do so.

The course focussed on transferrable customer service skills and comprised 10 modules in total and covered key topics such as telephone and communication skills, team needs and multi-tasking.

Rachel Clacher, director and co-founder of Moneypenny, said:

The aim of the course was to give those wishing to work at Moneypenny – or indeed any company – the confidence and skills to apply for a position.

We know from experience that there are a lot of fantastic people out there who are keen to work but may be put off as they feel they don’t have the confidence or recent work experience to do so. It could be that you’re a parent looking to get back into work after taking a career break to raise your family, or you’re thinking of changing career.

Whatever the reason, we wanted to create a practical and engaging course that will help you fulfil your potential.

As a result of successfully completing the diploma, each participant will now be guaranteed an interview at Moneypenny.

Rachel added:

We are thrilled with the resounding success of the pilot course and now look forward to working with Coleg Cambria and the DWP to offer the diploma to more people.

The feedback that we had from the participants was wonderful, and actually it was incredibly moving to hear them say how much they’ve learnt and have grown in confidence as a result of the course.

We really are very proud of everything they’ve achieved.

Wales Office Minister, Lord Bourne, added:

This diploma is a brilliant example of the innovation and creativity being used across Wales to help boost jobs and employment.

By equipping these students with transferable skills that can be used across a wide range of sectors,

Moneypenny are helping to create the next generation of skilled professionals in Wales. I wish them luck for the future and hope this course has given them the confidence they need to succeed.

Lesley Rasmussen, Deputy Director Management Development at Coleg Cambria, said:

We are very proud of the achievements and progress made by everyone participating in this partnership programme.

The feedback demonstrates the tremendous benefits that can be achieved through innovative partnership working and Coleg Cambria is delighted to be part of such a ground-breaking initiative that is making such a difference to the skills, opportunities and confidence of those taking part in the course.

We wish all the participants every success in their future careers and we are sure that the excellent feedback received will ensure that the partnership will continue to go from strength to strength

John Bisby, DWP District Manager North and Mid Wales, said:

The potential of people is really demonstrated here with everyone graduating from the event.

Particularly noteworthy as a high percentage had been previously unemployed.

Now they are confident in their own capabilities and likely to progress quickly into full employment.

Congratulations to all, including the innovative collaboration of Moneypenny, DWP and Coleg Cambria.