Latest news with #RachelMorley

South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
ACT encourages businesses to sign employer pledge
However, one way businesses are tackling both these challenges is by investing in future talent. Providing learners and those new to the industry with meaningful work opportunities allows employers to shape a skilled and motivated workforce – all while passing down their knowledge to the next generation. ACT, Wales' leading training provider, is helping businesses do just that. Through its Employer Pledge, organisations can commit to offering job placements and work experience to 16 to19-year-olds from its Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. For employers, it's a cost-free way to discover new talent, reduce recruitment overheads, and build a pipeline of future employees. It is also a way of providing potentially life-changing experience for young talent who may otherwise be overlooked. Beyond the social value, businesses already in partnership with ACT are reaping the benefits. From fresh perspectives to increased productivity, the impact is widespread. Cardiff-based finance broker, Ramsay & White, has recently offered full-time employment to two JGW+ learners after successful placements. They called the venture 'a full-circle moment' for the company. 'We're one of the fastest-growing finance companies in the UK,' Rachel Morley, head of admin at Ramsay & White, explained, 'and many years ago, JGW+ gave me my start in this industry. It's a full-circle moment to now help others find their feet in finance. 'We needed individuals who were willing to be proactive and motivated, and learn. Those qualities were essential because the work involves a lot of detailed processes.' ACT makes it easy for businesses to get involved, offering support from the initial placement through to progression pathways such as apprenticeships. Jobs Growth Wales and World of Work advisor, Stella Roe, said: 'Placements are really important, not just for our JGW+ learners but for businesses too. 'For our young people they give a real insight into what the world of work is like. It gives them a taster into a field they are looking to go into, as well as helps them develop an array of transferable skills such as punctuality and communication.' 'For businesses, you get young talent. We have so many learners with so much potential who would be an absolute asset to your workforce. Giving them the opportunity to further their skills and watch them thrive is so important, especially when many discover skills that they didn't even know they had until they come on placement. 'It's a meaningful way to open doors for young people who may have faced challenges breaking into the professional landscape. Giving them the chance to grow their confidence and skills can make a lasting difference and it's really special to see.' Talking about the logistics of offering a placement, Stella explained: 'When a young person goes out on placement we are there to support you and them from start to finish. We conduct a placement induction as well as regular reviews to ensure both parties are happy. We also pay the learner an allowance so placements are at no cost to your business.' If you're ready to help shape the next generation of skilled professionals, and give your business a boost, you can learn more about the employer pledge here.


South Wales Guardian
4 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
ACT encourages businesses to sign employer pledge
However, one way businesses are tackling both these challenges is by investing in future talent. Providing learners and those new to the industry with meaningful work opportunities allows employers to shape a skilled and motivated workforce – all while passing down their knowledge to the next generation. ACT, Wales' leading training provider, is helping businesses do just that. Through its Employer Pledge, organisations can commit to offering job placements and work experience to 16 to19-year-olds from its Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. For employers, it's a cost-free way to discover new talent, reduce recruitment overheads, and build a pipeline of future employees. It is also a way of providing potentially life-changing experience for young talent who may otherwise be overlooked. Beyond the social value, businesses already in partnership with ACT are reaping the benefits. From fresh perspectives to increased productivity, the impact is widespread. Cardiff-based finance broker, Ramsay & White, has recently offered full-time employment to two JGW+ learners after successful placements. They called the venture 'a full-circle moment' for the company. 'We're one of the fastest-growing finance companies in the UK,' Rachel Morley, head of admin at Ramsay & White, explained, 'and many years ago, JGW+ gave me my start in this industry. It's a full-circle moment to now help others find their feet in finance. 'We needed individuals who were willing to be proactive and motivated, and learn. Those qualities were essential because the work involves a lot of detailed processes.' ACT makes it easy for businesses to get involved, offering support from the initial placement through to progression pathways such as apprenticeships. Jobs Growth Wales and World of Work advisor, Stella Roe, said: 'Placements are really important, not just for our JGW+ learners but for businesses too. 'For our young people they give a real insight into what the world of work is like. It gives them a taster into a field they are looking to go into, as well as helps them develop an array of transferable skills such as punctuality and communication.' 'For businesses, you get young talent. We have so many learners with so much potential who would be an absolute asset to your workforce. Giving them the opportunity to further their skills and watch them thrive is so important, especially when many discover skills that they didn't even know they had until they come on placement. 'It's a meaningful way to open doors for young people who may have faced challenges breaking into the professional landscape. Giving them the chance to grow their confidence and skills can make a lasting difference and it's really special to see.' Talking about the logistics of offering a placement, Stella explained: 'When a young person goes out on placement we are there to support you and them from start to finish. We conduct a placement induction as well as regular reviews to ensure both parties are happy. We also pay the learner an allowance so placements are at no cost to your business.' If you're ready to help shape the next generation of skilled professionals, and give your business a boost, you can learn more about the employer pledge here.


BBC News
13-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Medieval Herefordshire church to be restored in £500k project
A "mammoth" project is under way to save a listed medieval church from Grade II listed St Mary's church in Kenderchurch near Pontrilas closed for worship nearly 20 years ago but is now looked after by the Friends of Friendless Churches work, which could cost about £500,000, has been approved and is set to be completed by the end of the year."If we hadn't stepped in, eventually the roof would have fallen in and no-one [could have restored] it," the charity's director Rachel Morley said. Contractor Tom Jones, director of Jones and Fraser, said the roof had rot and woodworm and "quite a bit" of stonework would need replacing."You never know what's there until you start investigating and we are still at early stages here," he many of the area's historic churches, the church "was heavily restored" by the Victorians, though medieval elements remain, project architect Andrew Faulkner Morley said: "Many were in poor condition even then, so without [the Victorians'] intervention we would probably have lost them."She described the cost involved as "pretty mammoth but not surprising", considering how long the church had been added: "When work is completed it will be open every day, and we will be looking for people locally to help look after it."While the work will mainly be funded by the charity, business Pontrilas Sawmills has donated £50,000."What happens in the locality matters to us," the firm's financial director Eric Hilton said. "The church is a landmark worth preserving and we wanted to contribute to that."This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.