Rhys Thomas, from Wrexham, and Aleksandra Zembrzuska, originally from Poland who studied in Wales, have joined AVOW on placements through the GO Wales programme.
AVOW (Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham) has worked with GO Wales for a few months. Helping out young people is something which is important to both AVOW and GO Wales; moreover it benefits the local community and economy.
John Gallanders, Chief Officer in AVOW said:
“AVOW has helped around 5000 young people during the last 10 years. GO Wales offers a great opportunity to help out the community through offering young people paid placements, especially in this difficult economic situation. AVOW is a voluntary organisation offering support and advice to voluntary and community groups in Wrexham County Borough. However, we do not only help externally, we also want to make sure that we take part in discovering and developing talents. Here in AVOW, we believe in investment in people of any age, background and experience. Together, with this mixture of talents we are stronger and can make a difference to people of Wrexham Borough County”.
Rhys Thomas from Wrexham started his 6-week placement in AVOW at the beginning of July as an Eisteddfod Marketing and Events Coordinator. He is really grateful to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing company having only very recently graduated from Aberystwyth University.
Rhys Thomas said: “The GO Wales placement has definitely helped me get back into the world of work after a long stint at university. The placement with AVOW has refreshed my independent and team-working skills as well as my communication and organisational skills. I’m glad of the opportunity provided by both organisations which has meant that I’m not twiddling my thumbs for the summer. And of course, it looks great on my CV!”
Aleksandra Zembrzuska, originally from Poland, has completed two degrees in Wales, now finishing her Masters in Advanced Marketing. She started her 10-week placement with AVOW in May, but her talent, skills and enthusiasm have persuaded the organisation to offer her a full-time position once she finishes the placement at the end of July.
Aleksandra Zembrzuska said: “I am so happy that this placement has taught me so much about marketing, how to plan strategies and improve my design skills. More importantly, I am absolutely thrilled that thanks to this amazing opportunity I managed to secure a full-time position. Not only in marketing, which is what I love and am qualified in, but also to work for AVOW; an outstanding organisation in a non-profit sector. I have volunteered and have worked with different communities for many years and always felt that this has been the sector I understand well and would like to work in one day. Promoting good causes is the best job I could ever imagine.”
John added:
“Thanks to GO Wales Programme we are able to attract the best and most able students to the region and provide great work opportunities to keep them here when they finish their studies.”
GO Wales placements enhance CV, experience and increase prospects of achieving future career ambitions. For more information about GO Wales Placements please visit www.gowales.co.uk and AVOW please visit www.avow.org
