A former unemployed duo have started full-time jobs at SevenHills Fabrication after completing Government funded training.
Former maintenance man Rog Taylor (61) from Sheffield was out of work for a year before deciding to sign up for a free welding course from city-based Momentum Recruitment and Training.
Lithuanian-born Jonas Drasutavicius (30), who lives in Nether Edge, lost his 11-year-long job in Sheffield three months ago before completing the course which included welding, fabrication skills and principals of management elements.
The duo passed the two week intensive course at Hillfoot Industrial Estate lead by welding tutor Andy Carr, and, after formal interviews, have full-time jobs as welders with SevenHills Fabrication, part of Steetley Corner Group.
Rog Taylor said: “Sheffield Job Centre sent me over the course details and I was honoured to get a place on it. I had been applying for jobs but getting nowhere, so this course was my route to a fantastic new job.
“It has given me a new lease of life, self respect, self esteem and I feel valued. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I am currently working on the ‘prep’ side of production, which I love, learning every day about setting up machines, drilling and tapping. It is very satisfying. I look forward to going to work every day.”
Jonas Drasutavicius said: “I had worked 11 years in Sheffield then lost my job three months ago. The two week practical course gave me a Level 1 qualification in welding and a Level 2 qualification in principals of management.
“This was a natural progression from what I was doing before. I have updated my skills, got a job and started straight away and am working for really great people. This was a brilliant opportunity. I am over the moon. It’s really worked out for me and I have secured a much better job than before.”
Tom Winbow, recruitment manager at Momentum Recruitment and Training, said: “Momentum has been providing Government funded training for several years in South Yorkshire. It allows unemployed people to access new skills through ourselves, without paying.
“From a personal perspective this is fantastic and shows the process works. Both of these guys found us, completed the training and gained a life changing opportunity in an established business.”
SevenHills Fabrication, which employs 50 staff, provides design, consultancy and fabrication services for clients across the country in diverse sectors including construction and automotive.
Michelle Harding-Terry, director owner at Steetley Corner Group, based at Holbrook Industrial Estate, said: “This hands-on training opportunity, provided as part of the Government’s drive to get people back into work, means we have secured two new members of staff. It shows just how successful working partnerships can be.”
