A
jobseeker-turned-employment-consultant from South Wales has
been shortlisted as New Recruit of the Year at this year’s
Jobcentre Plus Awards, after being nominated by her
employer, Working Links.
The JCP Awards showcase and celebrate the
achievements of businesses and individuals who have worked in
partnership with Jobcentre Plus to offer or find
employment. The New Recruit of the Year award is given to
the most outstanding recruit who has found work having been
previously unemployed.
Mother of two, Lucy Cadwallader, 29, from
Tredegar, joined the employer solutions team at Working Links
in September 2009, before which she had been unemployed for
six months and finding life difficult looking after Morgan, 7,
and Maisie, 4 after her relationship ended.
Initially referred to Working Links as a
jobseeker, Miss Cadwallader quickly stood out from the
crowd and was encouraged to take part in an assessment day
which ultimately led to a role with the Employer Solutions
Team (EST).
Commenting on being shortlisted for the
award, Miss Cadwallader said: “I find my work very rewarding,
not least because I am now helping people in similar
circumstances to my own just a few months ago. My confidence
was very low when I came to Working Links as a jobseeker and
it took the one-to-one support and guidance to show
me what I was capable of. I hope that I can now show other
people that, with help, you can achieve whatever you set your
mind to.”
Although one of the newest members of the
team, Miss Cadwallader was the highest performing consultant
for two months running, achieving double the number
of successful placements than the next best performing
consultant. In just six months, she has developed
relationships with more than 30 local employers which have led
to a range of work experience and job offers, as well as
specialist training for jobseekers.
A successful job club established by Miss
Cadwallader has also helped jobseekers to work together to
find employment, training and work experience placements
which have led to job offers.
Joanne Van, Employer Solutions Manager
for Working Links, said: “Lucy is passionate about helping
others realise their potential, often calling on her own
experiences to encourage people who think ‘I can’t’ by showing
then that they can.
“Lucy is very open about her determination to set a good
example to her children and her positive, ‘can
do’ attitude and relentless perseverance on behalf of
her employer and jobseeker customers is outstanding. Her
achievements in such a short time with Working Links are
a great motivator to everyone around her and we are
delighted she has been shortlisted for this award. Lucy
is inspirational, committed and passionate about her job, as
well as being a top performer – the kind of employee
every business looks to have.”