Pictured above: Two men formerly long-term unemployed now have their job plans on full throttle Back (l-r): Jason Williams, Melanie Dovey, Carl Phipps and front Garry Medlicott

The rapid expansion of a nationwide claims management company has resulted in additional employment opportunity for job seekers in the Black Country.

Bucking adverse economic trends, Plantec Holdings with distribution sites in Kingswinford and Dudley, has recently worked alongside employment and training Pertemps People Development Group (PPDG) in order to recruit several new employees. 

Head of Operations Jason Williams said: "The excellent working relationship we have developed over the past year has given us great confidence in the candidates PPDG submit. A passion for motorcycles coupled with flexibility and a desire to progress are our core criteria, something the team at PPDG's West Bromwich office understands in our employees."

Black Country Employer Engagement Manager, Melanie Dovey said: it's a partnership that's enabling some longer-term unemployed residents to return to the workplace. 

One such recruit, 32 year-old Carl Phipps from West Bromwich, was interviewed for a valeter position at Plantec's Dudley distribution centre but subsequently found himself recruited as a technician when Plantec recognised his skills and experience with motorcycles.

However, the valeting position did go to a former PPDG client, Tipton resident Garry Medlicott who had been unemployed for the past 19-years. The 50-year-old father of two had reached the stage where he feared he might never work again until someone spotted his crash helmet during a meeting and suggested his suitability for Plantec.

"I was a carer for my wife and didn't even have a CV," Garry explained. For years people told me I had no chance of working and yet within 3 weeks of meeting my employment coach John, I'm in a job I absolutely love." 

"Both my daughters tell me that they're proud of their dad once again, it's an incredible feeling" said a delighted Garry. 

Plantec Holdings Dudley site is the UK's largest motorcycle repair and distribution centre with a capacity to handle 550 motorcycles.

To learn more about PPDG's employment services, call Mel on 07595 086995