Port Talbot Support Centre

It can be hard to know where to turn for employment advice and support – we’re here to help! Our Support Centre has been set up to support the people of Port Talbot to start, develop and grow their careers. Whether you’re a Community member or not, we’re here to help you.

How to book an appointment

To book onto one of our Support Centre courses, please email us at learnwales@community-tu.org, or call us on 02920660655. If you’re unsure about how the Support Centre can help you, please do feel welcome to pop in for a chat at Support Centre, Aberafan Shopping Centre, Port Talbot, SA13 1PB. Please note that our redundancy support is by appointment only. If the relevant person or organisation is unavailable, we will pass on your details for them to contact you at the earliest opportunity.

If you are unsure of your learning needs, fill out this form, and the Community Learn team will contact you to build a bespoke learning plan for you.

Notice. Please be aware that the Port Talbot Support Centre will be closed on Monday 16th March for electrical works. 

Support & advice

We all have moments in our careers where we need some support and advice on what to do next, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to turn or who to ask. That’s where we come in.

Community Union will have staff on hand to provide you with support and advice on how to move your career forwards. We can advise and assist in accessing training opportunities and funding so you can develop the skills that you need to stand out in the job market or improve your opportunities at work. We’ll also be delivering in-house training on a range of subjects from how to write an effective CV to Mental Health First Aid.

If you’re looking for where to go next in your career, we’ll also be advertising a wide range of local jobs to either help you get back into work or to take the next step in your career. Speak to a member of the Community team today to find out what we can offer you.

Working in partnership for your community

We’re not just working alone to deliver for your community, we’ve brought together a wide range of partners to deliver services for you. Read below to see what’s on offer within our Support Centre:

Department for Work and Pensions (Mon only)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be working with us to support you in getting back into work and accessing the support you need in your day-to-day life. DWP will have an advisor based at the Support Centre once a week to support job searching, accessing benefits, CV support and state pension advice.

Youth Hub (Mon, Thur and Fri only)

The Youth Hub, run by the DWP offer an inclusive, welcoming space to provide coordinated support for young people. Activities will be designed to be youth-led where possible and will offer enriching opportunities such as arts, sports, volunteering, and skills-based projects, all aimed at fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Coleg Sir Gâr – English language lessons (Wed only)

At Coleg Sir Gâr work hard to ensure that your time spent with them learning English is exciting, fun and most importantly, provides you with the knowledge, opportunities and transferrable life skills that enable you to progress to higher levels of learning or employment.

Careers Wales (Mon and Wed only)

Careers Wales wants to make the process of searching and applying for jobs as smooth as possible for you. They will have an advisor based at the Support Centre to support you in planning your next steps and overcoming any barriers that may be holding you back from taking that next career step. Additionally, you can get advice on applying for funding streams for training such as Personal Learning Account and React Plus.

Business Wales (Tues only)

Business Wales is the Welsh Government’s bilingual business support service for Welsh micro-businesses and SMEs including social enterprises, and aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages to access the information, advice and support needed to help you start and grow your businesses.

Business Wales can provide support if you are considering self-employment or starting your own business. Our Business advisory team can provide a range of business information and business advice through workshops and one-to-one meetings, to help you review your ideas and prepare business plans, as well as accessing business finance.

Prime Cymru (Tues, 10am-5pm, 5th and 19th May, 2nd, 16th and 30th June, 15th, 28th July, 11th and 25th August)

• finding work
• training and skills development
• volunteering
• business start‑up and self‑employment

NPT Employability (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

We all need a bit of guidance now and then, or someone to bounce our ideas off. That’s why it’s important to have someone you can trust to provide the guidance you need. NPT Employability will have a member of staff in our Support Centre five days a week to provide careers advice, signpost you to paid job experiences, job coaching, Employer Liaison Officers, access to training, local labour market intelligence, skills and job matching and online digital support for those that need support to apply online. You will also be able to get advice on how to access the Supply Chain and Skills Fund being released by the Transition Board for training.

MIND (Tues and Thurs only)

MIND are offering information and support for those with ill mental health.

Building Blocks (Tuesday 5th May, Tuesday 7th July and Tuesday 8th September only)

Building Blocks Family Centre provides a dedicated family support service i to families, children and young people living in poverty or who are a disadvantage living in the Neath Port Talbot area.

NPT Business (Fri only, 10am-4pm)

The Council’s Economic Development team aims to support new and existing businesses affected by the Tata Steel Transition to greener steel making to start, grow and innovate. Our highly skilled officers can provide one to one advice and guidance for your business or organisation, regardless of size or sector, whilst keeping you up to date on all the latest funding and networking opportunities across Neath Port Talbot and beyond. See here for further information.

Cyfle Cymru (Every other Mon)

Cyfle Cymru supports people in recovery from substance use and/or mental health conditions to build confidence and move into training, volunteering, or employment. Our Peer Mentors use their lived experience to guide others on their journey.

Cyfle Cymru work with individuals who are:

• Aged 16–24 and not in education, employment, or training (NEET), or
• Aged 25+ and long-term unemployed or economically inactive
• Living in: Cardiff & Vale, Dyfed, North Wales, Powys, Neath Port Talbot, or Swansea Bay
• In recovery from substance use and/or mental health issues

What Cyfle Cymru offer:

• One-to-one peer mentoring
• Access to training, qualifications, and volunteering
• Help with job searching and applications
• Strong employer links
• Ongoing support after starting work, education, or training

To book a session contact Samantha Jones.

• Tel: 07812 153 948
• Email: samantha.jones@adferiad.org

Police

The local police force will be attendance on an ad hoc basis.

Employment and Skills Flexible Fund

If you live in Wales and have recently been made redundant from Tata Steel UK, a company within its supply chain, or other associated contractors you can access grant funding to help you secure future employment.

The Employment and Skills Flexible Fund has been set up by the Tata Transition Board to support people in Wales directly or indirectly affected by Tata Steel UK’s current transformation programme.

What can the grant funding be used for?

If you are eligible, the grants for individuals can help you cover costs, such as:

• Training costs
• Exam fees
• Work related certificates and licences
• Tools and equipment
• Public liability insurance for self-employment

The above is not a full list of examples. Other support costs will be considered for funding on an individual basis.

How can I access the funding?

If you live in Neath Port Talbot you can call in to our Support Centre.

If you live elsewhere in Wales, please contact your local employability service.

Or if you are working in Port Talbot but live elsewhere you can also call into the above drop-in location to speak to one of our advisors face-to-face.

Useful links

• Tata Steel Transition Information Hub – Neath Port Talbot Council
• Business NPTC Group
• Careers Wales | Careers Wales
• Home Page – Sorted Supported
• Barry Training Services
• Homepage | Business Wales
• Business Funding and Workspace | UKSE
• Start your job search with Acorn by Synergie.
• Department for Work and Pensions – GOV.UK