Blueprint project summary

The primary aim of MTIB's Blueprint for the Future is to provide more training and employment opportunities for the disadvantaged and more vulnerable in our society, the disabled, promoting social inclusion by equipping them with the necessary skills to integrate them into mainstream employment.

This will encompass in-depth assessment, work based training and employment progression plans for a wide variety of vocations e.g.:

• manufacturing
• ICT
• customer services
• warehousing
• administration

No other facility like this exists, within the area, for such a disadvantaged client group. MTIB's forward thinking will provide a one-stop-shop, which identifies and provides new skills and opportunities that the private sector is continually demanding.

This new development will amongst others incorporate the following:

• A Manufacturing Unit
• Administration Offices
• Resource Facilities
• Warehouse and Storage
• An Assessment and Training Centre

The project will provide updated facilities, improve health and safety and the working environment and allow MTIB the flexibility to develop in several areas.

The project will expand MTIB's training and employment potential by providing a number of job-based training opportunities and training suites, as well as an increased number of employment opportunities being created by the expansion. MTIB will also be able to offer assessment, rehabilitation and training with the aim of progression to mainstream employment in a more structured and realistic manner by realising the clients full potential.

The resource facilities will offer a range of aids, adaptations and simulated living conditions for a number of different disabilities, including the blind and partially sighted.

The new heaquarters will heighten awareness of the organisation, the potential of disabled people and support and training available to this disadvantaged group.

The environmental impact of the new development will mean that all waste shall be segregated into separate containers and recycled. Some will be sent to recycling facilities in the area and some even sold directly, thus making a contribution to the business and not least minimising MTIB's need for landfill.

The Blueprint for the Future project is part-financed by the European Union, through the Welsh Assembly Government, from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the local regeneration fund. This funding will allow MTIB to transfer its operation from Maesygwynne to a specially adapted site at Pentrebach in order to expand and improve its services of providing training, development and employment opportunities to disabled persons within West Wales and the Valleys.