A FATHER OF TWO from St Thomas feared the worst when he was made redundant in April.

Gas fitter Mike Parkin lost his job with Gower Gas and Oil when business went quiet and he was unable to find work.

But the 46-year-old has now gained new qualifications and found work with Port Tennant-based firm Amroc Heating Services, which specialises in industrial and commercial gas installation, repairs and servicing.

Mr Parkin is qualified to work on domestic gas heaters and appliances and said losing his job was a daunting experience.

But, thanks to the Assembly's European Social Fund-backed ReAct scheme, he has been able to complete further training and gain accreditation necessary to become a qualified commercial heating service engineer.

ReAct funds programmes to re-train people made redundant and also pays a wage subsidy to businesses employing people who have lost their jobs.

Mr Parkin said: "I could see there were plenty of opportunities for commercial gas engineers and knew that was the way forward but I could not have been able to afford to re-train and get the necessary qualifications without the help and support from ReAct.

"Once I registered with Careers Wales they put me on the right track, provided me with all the information I needed and helped me with my application for ReAct funding.

"Connaught Training arranged all the relevant training I needed and Amroc Heating Services promised me a job if I successfully completed all the courses."

Amroc Heating Services director Jason Quinn said his business operates in a specialist field.

He said: "We were looking for someone with the right qualifications and the training Mike had undertaken meant he was ready to work.

"We could not have afforded to take on someone and then train them up as we needed someone who was able to work immediately."

Lesley Griffiths, deputy minister for science, innovation and skills said ReAct has played a key role in helping people back to work during difficult trading conditions.

He said: "It's always good news to hear of individuals who have been able to turn their lives around through upskilling or re-training and how businesses benefit from taking on people with the skills they need."