About me.
My name is Lewis and I work as a Production Assistant at South Caernarfon Creameries. I enjoy watching rugby, going out socialising, gardening and growing my own vegetables.
Before joining the supported employment service…
I was still attending college and continuing my course even though I did not really enjoy being there. I only had a short amount of time left and felt it was important to finish what I started.
At the same time, I was employed by Derwen as a support assistant, although I had not been given any working hours since a new manager started. I was living happily at home with my parents and wanted to start building a more independent future through paid employment.
Where my journey started.
The Head Mistress at Hafod Lon suggested that I look into support to find a paid job through the North Wales Supported Employment Service. I knew I wanted paid employment because I did not enjoy college and wanted something more practical and independent. I met with Sian (EPC) at the council offices in Pwllheli. I already had a bank account and ID, and my mum understood my benefits situation. But I still felt unsure and nervous going into the unknown.
Finding the right job for me.
Sian introduced me to Rhys (job coach at Agoriad Cyf). Once Rhys started supporting me everything began to fall into place and I felt clearer and more confident about what I wanted to do.
Rhys supported me to identify the kinds of jobs that might suit me based on my interests and skills. One of the first things we did together was a job match questionnaire which helped me identify different types of work that might suit me. Through this process and discussions with Rhys it became clear that I had an interest in factory work.
Rhys helped to arrange a work placement for me at South Caernarfon Creameries. Rhys supported me 1‑to‑1 throughout the placement, helping me settle in, learn routines, build confidence and understand what was expected of me. The placement lasted around 8 weeks and helped me gain experience and a chance to try out this kind of work. Over time, it became clear that the job suited me well and I was offered a paid job!
How getting a paid job had made me feel.
Getting a job has made me feel much happier, more confident and more independent. Before starting the programme, I felt nervous about the unknown, but once I began my placement, everything started to fall into place, and I became much more comfortable in a work environment.
It has given me something positive to focus on and made me feel proud of what I have achieved. It has also helped that I work alongside Huw, who I have known for many years, as this made settling in easier and boosted my confidence.
I feel more positive about my future and happy that I have found work that suits me.
How are things going now.
Things are going really well, and Rhys continues to support me to build my confidence and independence in work.
Even though I still need some ongoing 1‑to‑1 support with certain tasks, I feel I have made a lot of progress and achieved something important for myself.
If someone is thinking about getting help to find work, I would say…
I would definitely recommend North Wales Supported Employment Service to anyone thinking about getting support to find work. The programme has helped me move into paid employment, which has made me very happy and more independent. The support from Rhys has been excellent and having someone guide me step‑by‑step made everything feel much less overwhelming.