Building a bright future in Barmouth

Assembly Member Joyce Watson has visited a project delivering jobs, training places and better homes in Barmouth.
Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG) is spending £136 million on Gwynedd homes to bring them up to the Welsh Quality Housing Standard by 2015 – employing local contractors, sourcing local materials and providing placements for trainees and apprentices.
The not-for-profit independent housing organisation took over responsibility for all Gwynedd social houses from Gwynedd Council two years ago.
On a site visit to Barmouth on Tuesday (21 August), the Labour Mid and West Wales AM met Harry Turner, one of 72 trainees working on the project.
Harry, who has completed 12 months training on the CCG construction course, said:
“It is a great opportunity to learn a trade and get a qualification, and a guaranteed year’s employment. Before I got the placement I was finding it difficult, stuck in a job with no prospects, but now I feel I can progress and make a career in the building industry.”
Mrs Watson added:
“The project is a fantastic example of partner organisations working together for the benefit of the local area. Harry’s dedication, enthusiasm and desire to do a good job is inspiring. He is committed to his own development and building a future for himself. Meeting Harry really made my day.”
Mrs Watson was accompanied by CCG chief executive, Ffrancon Williams:
“Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd is not only committed to improving our tenants’ homes but also to creating new jobs and training opportunities for young people within Gwynedd. Every contractor working on our Welsh Housing Quality Standard improvement programme have taken on apprentices with over 50 now employed as part of the project ensuring that this investment leaves a lasting local legacy,” he said.
Mrs Watson added:
“Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd are investing in Gwynedd, helping rebuild communities and doing a great job.”
“One tenant who has lived in the same house for 50-odd years, showing me his new kitchen and bathroom, said he feels like he has won the lottery.”