Skip to main content

CTM Kick-Start Graduation Event

Today (July 18) we’re delighted to be celebrating Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s (CTM UHB) Kick-Start graduation event.

We’ve had a fantastic day celebrating with our 2021 kick-starters. The Government funded ‘Kick-start’ scheme supports young people to develop transferable skills and increase their opportunities for sustained employment.

In partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions, the scheme identified suitable positions for 25 young people, aged between 18-24 years, who live in local communities within Cwm Taf Morgannwg.  Our CTM Kick-starters have worked 25 hours a week, over a six-month fully funded placement, supporting several teams and departments including:

  • Facilities;
  • Innovation and Improvement;
  • Mental health and Wellbeing;
  • Learning and Development;
  • IT; and
  • Our Emergency Departments.

The graduation, held at Coleg y Cymoedd (Nantgarw Campus), welcomed our Kick-starters, their families, friends, and line managers to the event.  Paul Mears, Chief Executive for CTMUHB said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to attend the event today and I am really disappointed that I wasn’t able to meet the Kick-starters.  They have all worked very hard through some of the toughest times the NHS has seen, and have been an asset to our Health Board.  I am delighted that some of the graduates are remaining with us at the Health Board in full time employment.”

One of the young people on the Kick-start scheme who has also gained employment at CTM Adrienne Davies said: “My experience with Kick-start has been very pleasant. I have met some amazing individuals and learned a lot about the hospital and the NHS. I received lots of support from the start of my Kick-start journey right through to the end - if I needed anything there was always someone to support me.”

Hywel Daniel, Executive Director for People at CTMUHB added: “It’s great to be here today celebrating the Kick-starters graduation.  The partnership we have built with the Department of Work and Pensions, Coleg y Cymoedd and Tydfil Training has enabled us as an organisation to offer young people in our local communities a chance to gain the skills and experience necessary to gain full time employment.  Huge congratulations to all our Kick-starters graduating today!”  

Rhiannon Richards, Employer Advisor from the Department of Works and Pensions said: “It’s fantastic that the Health Board have put on a graduation event for the Kick-starters to acknowledge their achievements.  It is so rewarding to be here today and I’m proud to see the young people that I met at the beginning of the scheme finishing and graduating.”