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Education

Careers Wales: ‘It was nice to have someone friendly to go’

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NATIONAL CAREERS WEEK returns this week (4-9 March) marking a celebration of careers guidance and free educational resources throughout the UK.

Kim Martakie, a resident of Pembrokeshire, is an example of how tailored careers support can make a hugely positive impact on an individual, especially when they are faced with daunting life changes.

With one-to-one careers support, 57-year-old Kim was able to make a return to work and contribute to her community, after relocating across the country.

When Kim and her family made the move to west Wales in 2022, they had originally planned for Kim to stay at home, until she realised she had other ambitions.

Kim explained: “I wanted to get out and about and interact with people more. I wanted something in the community that was interesting and had some autonomy.

“I realised quickly that I had no idea where to start.”

Seeking assistance, Kim reached out to her local job centre, where she was connected with Careers Wales. She was then paired with Lara Bagagiolo, a careers adviser from Working Wales, who became instrumental in guiding her through her next steps.

During several appointments, Lara helped Kim explore different jobs and courses as well as supporting her with her CV, applications, and interviews when they came along.

Over several appointments, Lara helped Kim navigate various career options and educational opportunities while providing support with CV development, application strategies, and interview preparation.

Kim recalls: “Lara helped me understand exactly what I was looking for. After moving away and being away from everyone I knew, it was nice to have someone friendly to go to.

“Most of all, it gave me confidence.”

It was following a fateful conversation in her local shop, that Kim found out about a vacancy at the community centre.

With newfound confidence and support from Lara, Kim applied and secured the position.

Reflecting on her new role, Kim said: “I work on lots of different projects, and I feel recognised and valued. It is a charitable organisation, so I feel like I’m giving something back.”

Encouraging others in similar situations, Kim emphasised the transformative impact of seeking tailored support: “It’s a big thing to change your circumstances and go back to work, whether that’s after moving or having children or any other situations. Support from someone like Lara can be incredible and make all the difference.”

Kim’s careers adviser, Lara, said: “It was a pleasure to meet and support Kim. I was so glad to have been a friendly face, as well as helping her to gain clarity regarding her career goals.

“It’s fantastic to see her thriving in her new job. 

“At Working Wales, we’re committed to offering tailored support whatever your circumstances. 

“Whether it’s helping you make a return to work or secure funding for courses to upskill, providing support with CVs, finding employment or training, or identifying your next steps, we’re here to make sure you get the assistance you need to succeed.”

Working Wales is delivered by Careers Wales and funded by the Welsh Government to provide careers guidance and employability support to those aged 16 and above.

For more information about Working Wales and how to access careers support, visit the Working Wales website, call free on 0800 028 4844, speak to an adviser via webchat, or email [email protected].

Education

Uncertainty over future of Manorbier school after fire

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A CALL for an update on a south Pembrokeshire school and the timeline for its rebuild more than two years after it was devastated by fire is to be heard later this week.

Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and its adjoining schoolhouse was severely damaged by a fire on October 11, 2022, which broke out in the school roof space.

Pupils and staff were successfully evacuated with no injuries, and a ‘school from school’ was set up in Jameston Village Hall, after a brief period of sanctuary at the nearby Buttyland caravan site.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s insurers have previously said the fire was accidentally started while ‘hot works’ were being carried out by contractors to renew an adjacent flat roof, but, as has previously been stressed, no liability has been accepted to date.

Councillors have previously heard the majority of costs were likely to be met from the council’s insurers, with the caveat of the unknown issue of liability and its effect on a £200,000 insurance excess.

They have also been told that, if liability was found or accepted, the council would “pursue for the full maximum claim of the costs associated with the fire”.

In a question submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council ahead of its full council meeting of December 12, local councillor Cllr Phil Kidney asks: “Manorbier School was subject to a serious fire in October 2022, so serious that the school premises has not been used since.

“At Schools O&S on February 6, 2023, Manorbier school was discussed and Councillor Stoddart queried the possibility of the contractor insurance covering the cost of the rebuild, to which the cabinet member advised, legal discussions were ongoing.

“At full council on October 12, 2023, Councillor Aled Thomas asked: ‘had the Authority been successful in recouping any of the £200,000 insurance excess that PCC had to bear.’

“At the same meeting I asked a question requesting an update on the rebuild of Manorbier School and was informed by the Cabinet Member that it would be included as part of a business case for further consideration by Cabinet.

“Over two years have now lapsed, since the fire and considerable disruption it has caused to the school and community, therefore could full council be provided with a full update with regards to the insurance claim in respect of the school fire and some timelines for the rebuild?”

Cllr Kidney’s question will be heard at the December 12 meeting.

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Education

Young people take centre stage at Voice of Learners event

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A SPECIAL event highlighting the voices of young people across Pembrokeshire was held at County Hall on Tuesday (Dec 5). The event featured the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, alongside key figures in education and youth advocacy.

The Voice of Learners event, organised by Councillor Pat Davies and the Children and Young People’s Rights Office, brought together representatives from secondary schools and Pembrokeshire College.

Joining the panel were Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes and Principal Educational Psychologist Lorraine Silver. Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman, Councillor Steve Alderman, chaired the session, during which attendees posed a series of challenging and thought-provoking questions to the panel.

The event was driven by the findings of an extensive survey conducted with Pembrokeshire’s young people. Mental and emotional health emerged as a top concern, alongside issues such as access to sports, diagnosis and support for additional needs, exam stress, healthy eating, and the influence of technology on daily life.

Cllr Pat Davies said: “I started this focus on young people and democracy during my time as Council Chairman, and it has not only been popular but incredibly informative for both our school-goers and us as councillors.
“We are determined to engage with young people and ensure their concerns and views are heard. Events like this, as well as a previous session with the Electoral Commission, provide us with valuable opportunities to connect.

“Continuing this important work with the Children and Young People’s Rights Office is a real positive, and we look forward to welcoming more young people to County Hall for future events.”

The Voice of Learners event underscores Pembrokeshire County Council’s commitment to empowering young people and addressing the issues that matter most to them.

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Education

Campaigners fight to secure Lampeter University’s future

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CAMPAIGNERS are striving to secure 10,000 signatures on an online petition to prompt a debate at the Welsh Senedd about the future of Lampeter University.

The petition follows an announcement in November by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) to relocate all undergraduate teaching from Lampeter to its sister campus in Carmarthen. The decision has sparked a campaign to safeguard Wales’ oldest university.

The Lampeter Society, an alumni group, has strongly opposed the proposal, citing years of underinvestment in Lampeter’s infrastructure, courses, and marketing. In contrast, the Society claims significant resources have been allocated to expand the university’s Swansea campus.

“Inevitably, this prioritisation against Lampeter has led to a marked decline in student numbers on the Lampeter campus,” the Society stated. “But the proposals will have a devastating effect on the local community as well as opportunities and employment in the area.”

The petition calls on UWTSD and the Welsh Government to create a “viable, sustainable plan for the long-term future of the Lampeter campus.” Over 2,000 supporters, many of them alumni from across the UK, have signed so far. However, 10,000 signatures are required to secure a debate at the Senedd.

Organisers have intensified their efforts, reaching out to residents in the streets, pubs, and shops of Lampeter to drum up local support.

Local voices join the campaign

Former student Jane Langford, who lives near Lampeter, highlighted the potential impact of the changes.

“Local people are all very aware how bad this would be for the town,” she said.

“The campus at Lampeter has always fostered an environment of acceptance and inclusivity, and gave me the confidence to be myself. I’ve carried that with me throughout my life.

“Local campuses and universities are so important for widening provision and access to higher education. For so many people, studying in a campus like Lampeter is perfect, as not everybody wants the hustle and bustle of a bigger town or city. I feel very sad that these proposals will end 200 years of undergraduate teaching at Lampeter.”

A historic institution under threat

Established in 1822, Lampeter University is Wales’ oldest higher education institution. In 2009, it merged with Trinity College Carmarthen and later joined Swansea Metropolitan University to form UWTSD.

Supporters of the campaign who wish to sign the petition can visit: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246410.

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