10,000 plus jobs in Wales backed by ProAct

14 May 2010 12:37 PM

New figures today show that more than 10,000 people have been helped to stay in work thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government’s ProAct scheme.

ProAct is an all-Wales European funded project designed to help companies through the economic downturn. It provides financial support to increase the skills levels of the workforce and was the first policy of its kind in the UK.

“These are difficult economic times and we have taken action to help people stay in their jobs and upskill in preparation for the recovery,” Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation & Skills, Lesley Griffiths said.

“By taking early action, the Welsh Assembly Government has now helped keep more than 10,000 workers in their jobs and assisted them develop their skills. We could only achieve this through our close working relationship with industry. Our aim is to support the Welsh economy through these tough times and ensure we are ready for the upturn.”

One of the latest companies to benefit is Amnitect, a world leader in the manufacture of advanced flexible hose which is used in a wide sector of manufacturing processes.

The group’s facility in Merthyr Tydfil manufactures and exports over 1.5 million metres of flexible hose every year for use in the aerospace, automotive, marine, refrigeration, gas transfer, hot metal process, petrochemical, power generation, cryogenic and other general industrial applications.

ProAct funding will enable the workforce – all 101 employees - to benefit from training. The main focus will be on business improvement techniques to ensure the business is as effective and efficient as possible and in a prime position to meet any new challenges as the economy moves into recovery. Other areas of training will involve leadership and management skills and customer service skills.

Lucy Martin, Human Resource Manager said “Like most businesses we have felt the effects of the recession. It has been a challenging twelve months and we welcome this opportunity to invest in our workforce and ensure they have the skills and confidence to help the company move forward.

“We have a loyal workforce with many long serving employees so this is a great opportunity to support them as well as our customers by providing them with the best possible service.”

Applications for ProAct funding have been extended until the end of June and the new Skills Growth Wales programme, that builds on the success of ProAct, is now up and running.

Skills Growth Wales provides funding for training to support companies that have the potential to grow, take advantage of new or emerging market opportunities to help reinvigorate the economy.

Funding is for high level skills and new technology areas that will help bring about growth in turnover, profit or employment.