Here at Screen Alliance Wales, one of our key goals is to ensure that the workforce of the creative industries in Wales represent their local population as much as possible.  This month we had the good news that we had helped another individual get their first paid foothold in the industry.

Last year, we were contacted by David Owen from Remploy, the organisation in the United Kingdom which provides employment placement services for disabled people.  They had a client, Rhys, who was very keen to utilise his skill set alongside his passion for Film & TV.  We were only too happy to help where we could.

Since then, Rhys was a regular attendee of our Careers Café events, and we were able to promote his CV with a number of employers during an incredibly busy time for the industry.  Success did not come immediately, as the number of applications meant several positions had a significant number of worthwhile submissions. 

Although we were not initially able to help Rhys find paid work, an opportunity for a work experience placement  came up with Boom, a fantastic Welsh production company based in Cardiff.  A company with values like our own, they were pleased to take on Rhys to help with some research tasks.

As proof that perseverance pays off, following this initial period, we were greeted with  the brilliant news that Rhys has been offered a paid contract due to how he has excelled during his time with Boom.

We are sure that this will just be the first step for Rhys, and we hope that we are able to help others with the same support going forward.