From Unemployment to Empowerment: David’s Story

A young man in a grey hoodie with a Welsh dragon on is working near a sewing machine. The background is a garment factory. There is an icons on the picture of a dress maker’s dummy. The young man is surrounded by a frame with two text boxes. The heading reads “From Inactivity to Opportunity to Good Work”. The main body of the text reads “Meet David! David enrolled in the Supported Shared Apprenticeship programme to gain new qualifications and boost his confidence and career prospects.”

It’s Employability Day, and as ELITE Clothing Solutions was established as part of the ‘Better Jobs Closer to Home’ scheme, there’s no better time to take a look at what one of those better jobs looks like and how it’s transformed the life of one young man from Ebbw Vale.

David is a huge part of ELITE Clothing Solutions. He has recently completed a Supported Shared Apprenticeship qualification in Warehouse and Storage Skills (Level 2) with Cambrian Training.

The Supported Shared Apprenticeship programme is designed to provide disabled people with a personalised service that includes training, access to support, and valuable work experience—all with the goal of achieving long-term, sustainable employment.

“Working at ELITE Clothing Solutions has made me feel like I have a purpose,” David shares. “It’s been great to work towards a qualification at the same time.”

Through the Apprenticeship, David gained practical experience as a Production Operative, while developing vital life and work skills—confidence, communication, organisation, and independence. With the supportive environment at ELITE playing a crucial role in David’s transformation.

“Jon has been a massive help in building my independence and confidence. He always shows me that he believes in my abilities and the work I can do.”

Beyond the workplace, David’s life has flourished. He’s now an active member of two local choirs, he loves travel - and recently returned from a trip to Norway.