Success Story ~ Donna Davies

Agile Nation Project Accelerates Career of Aberdare Woman

Donna Davies from Aberdare has recently been promoted to become a playgroup leader for Cylch Meithrin Penrhiwceiber

Donna's promotion follows a gain in workplace confidence as a result of completing the Ascent programme being run as part of Chwarae Teg’s Agile Nation project

Donna’s promotion demonstrates the excellent work of the Agile Nation team and the benefits to women in Wales of undertaking the Ascent programme, which is Chwarae Teg’s flagship £12.5m European Social Fund and Welsh Assembly Government funded project

Before taking part in the programme, Donna felt that her low confidence levels and two young children prevented her from progressing in her career.

Elin Davies, Senior Project Officer for Agile Nation’s South Wales’ team, said:

“As the leading agency for the economic development of women in Wales, we will be working with 2,790 women and 600 employers to encourage female progression and retention in the workplace across the lifetime of the project.

“It was inspiring to see Donna’s confidence grow as she progressed through the Ascent programme, and I am delighted that the project has been able to assist her in gaining her recent promotion.

“Donna proves that being a busy mother is not a hindrance to moving up in the workplace and that conquering your fears is beneficial in the end.”

Upon completing the course earlier this year, Donna explained that she felt more confident in her abilities and that this was a key factor in her decision to apply for the playgroup promotion at Cylch Meithrin Penrhiwceiber.

She said:

“The Ascent programme helped me to understand the different methods of workplace communication and how to use smart objectives to manage my time effectively.

“Thanks to the Agile Nation Ascent programme I have grown in confidence and feel I can now achieve my goals. I am looking forward to my new challenge when the new playgroup opens in September.”

Even ahead of her promotion Donna has already been taking on additional responsibility for promoting and organising the new playgroup’s open day. Donna added:

“The course helped me to recognise the whole of my skill base and to appreciate what I achieve on a daily basis, which has made me feel more confident in managing my time between work and family commitments.”

Unlock your potential at work: further information

In the media: Read the article on the Cynon Valley Leader