A MAJOR employment boost is underway for North Wales as family-run leisure park operator Lyon Holiday Parks. based in Denbighshire, has been backed by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to implement a Kickstart Scheme for young job-hunters in the area. The group is one of the region’s most well-known companies, running 13 parks across North Wales and Cumbria and the company are offering hard to find construction and trade roles under the scheme, as well as looking to fill permanent positions across all their sites.
The new Kickstart scheme provides funding to create 6 month work placements for 16-to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. The company are confident that long term employment can be offered at the end of the scheme.
The new positions for the eager youngsters have been created at the derelict former site (formerly known as Graic Parc), acquired by by Lyons Holiday Parks in December 2019. The company plans to create 18 new hotel rooms and 79 wooden lodges at the ‘retired tourist hotspot’ of Dyserth Falls. 18 young employees have already taken up sought-after positions in plumbing, construction, and electricals, with plans now in the pipeline to create 30 more Kickstart career opportunities in the company’s food and beverage team.
Lorraine Smith, Kickstart team lead and HR manager for Lyons, implemented the initiative. She said:
“Both the redevelopment of Dyserth Falls as a park, and the introduction of 30 additional new employees to our already strong workforce, is a sign of prosperity and economic success for the region and many families.
“We’re a company that is constantly expanding. We will then look to take a number of employees on in full-time roles, utilising the skills into which we have invested. Providing security to those hard-working individuals is our goal. This highlights our commitment to investing in people and their future careers. This is what our inclusion in the Kickstart scheme represents.
“The Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 had a damaging impact on tourism and industry hospitalities across North Wales. The Lyons group sits alongside fellow tourism companies in the region who have missed out on almost a whole year of trade. But we are determined to move forward and are relentlessly striving to bring North Wales back to its booming glory.”
Lorraine added that not only will the recruits undergo on the job training, but will also receive support throughout their placement with CV writing, interview preparation, and will receive their health & safety certificates as well as other vocational qualifications.
Joseph Lyons Mound, company director, said:
“Lyons is a pillar of the North Wales economy. Employing over 400 seasonal and permanent staff, we are widely recognised as having one of the largest employee workforces in North Wales.
“We celebrated our retention of 160 permanent staff throughout last year’s lockdown. This is because we see past the positions and statistics: we see the people.”
Geoff Mound, director of the 3rd generation business, is excited about the scheme. He said:
“Dyserth Falls is the ideal destination to work on, it’s got everything. It’s about time we put it back on the map. We’re very eager to give youngsters an opportunity to improve their skills and help them strive for something better.”
Both the company’s new Kickstarter initiative and the transformation of Dyserth Falls has been backed by local councillors, David Gwyn Williams (Dyserth) and Peter Evans (Meliden). Cllr Evans said: “We need developments like this, it’s long overdue and I’m well in support. It’s an ideal opportunity for young people to learn something and get on the employment ladder – literally. I am very glad to see the likes of the Mounds doing this. It’s nice to see a local family putting money where it needs it. This is the way forward – it’s a win-win situation.”
Dr James Davies, MP for Clwyd, also backs this scheme and development. He said: “It is really good news for the area that the derelict Graig Park/Dyserth Falls Resort site is to be brought back to life. This will prove an important boost to the local economy post-pandemic. I’m extremely pleased that the owners intend to take on up to 30 young and unemployed people through the Government’s ‘Kickstart’ jobs scheme. I look forward to the site reopening to welcome tourists on short breaks as well as residents to enjoy the facilities on offer.”
In addition to the construction roles at the new Dyserth Falls development, the company are also recruiting for permanent positions and recently held a recruitment day. The group are currently seeking hotel housekeepers, grounds and maintenance operatives and food and beverage team members. Trainee pool lifeguards, job controllers, carpenters are also being called for. Kitchen porters, bar managers, receptionists, team leaders, and night porters are also needed.
For a full list of vacancies, visit the Lyons recruitment page or enquire further by emailing jobs@lyonsholidayparks.co.uk
