Aden James has been working with the estates department at Prince Philip Hospital and has been getting on really well. 

His first placement was with the stores department, and he is now placed within the porters’ team.

JGW+ (engagement) has helped me a lot in building my confidence. 

When I started, I wasn’t confident at all, especially at my work placement but now I feel very confident and get a lot of encouragement from my work placement. 

I am now not only able to communicate to other staff but also to patients when I am doing my porter duties.

I can say that JGW+ has helped me improve my timekeeping, communication, customer service skills as well as improving my confidence.

Without JGW+ I wouldn’t know where I would be at this point.  It has given me the chance to try work experience and in a job that I did not think I would ever have a chance to do.

JGW+ will make you a better person. It will teach new things every day and give you the possible opportunity to get a job out of it.

Here is what Aden’s colleagues said:

“Aden has been an asset to us here in the stores department and has fitted in really well, he will make an excellent addition to the team should a job become available, we would certainly welcome him as part of our team here. Aden has shown that he is punctual and trustworthy and is always willing to help.” Dan Evans, Chief Porter.

“Aden has been working with me in Xray for two weeks and has come on leaps and bounds, he will benefit from an increase in his confidence levels but has a lovely way about him with patients. I think another couple of weeks and he will be far better placed to secure a job at Hywel Dda.” Peter Skelton, Xray Porter.

“Aden arrived for his first day with us on time and looking smart, he is very friendly and polite. I have no concerns that Aden will be an excellent and valued member of the team over the next few months.” Susan Davies, Hotel Services Manager.

Lacey Curtis explains how a JGW+ (advancement) programme has increased her employer skills.

Having work experience in a workplace outside of my comfort zone has made me become more confident and I have gained valuable skills such as customer service and working as a team.

I can say that the work placement has helped me greatly with my confidence, especially in speaking to people of all ages.

I would suggest JGW+ because it has given me real experience and important life skills that I might not fully develop in full-time college.

Harry Coppack explains how JGW+ (engagement) helped his confidence.

I feel like the JGW+ Programme has supported my social skills and built up my confidence as I have recently been diagnosed with autism and feel as though this has built my confidence in a working environment. 

I didn’t feel as though being full-time in college last year was for me, as I prefer hands on experience rather than being in a classroom. 

My mental health was affected when I broke my leg last year but my mood has improved as I am now working with a nice friendly team at Farmyard Nurseries with the support from Richard and my colleagues.

Farmyard Nurseries is my first work placement after leaving full-time college. This placement has given me experience of working within a supportive team who have helped me gain confidence and gain guidance for daily tasks to prepare me of the world of work and learn about what to expect.

The beauty of the programme is that anyone with special circumstances who requires additional support and guidance, is valuable to learners who don’t necessarily want to leave school and go into full-time education. 

Taking part in work experience doesn’t add that extra pressure to go into the classroom.