Garmon nets role with Jones Bros after returning from New Zealand12th Apr 2017

A Ruthin man who targeted a post with Jones Bros Civil Engineering when he returned from playing football in New Zealand is making a name for himself in the company’s training department.

Garmon Hafal, 26, regularly checked for vacancies at the family firm and joined the finance department in December 2015.

But fewer than seven months into the role, he was handpicked to join the award-winning training department in a key position.

And the Ruthin FC footballer hasn’t looked back and is urging young people to attend a Jones Bros careers event on 27 April.

The event, from 4pm until 7pm at Jones Bros’ head office in Ty Glyn, Ruthin, will also include talks about the contractor’s award-winning apprenticeship programme and opportunities for school leavers and graduates.

Garmon, who studied law and criminology at Aberystwyth University, said: “Jones Bros is a well-known name in the area and a recognisable company.

“I was extremely keen to work here. I was too old to be an apprentice so kept my eye out for other opportunities.

“Because of the size of the company, I knew there were different departments to work in, and also the chance for progression.

“A job came up as a purchase ledger clerk and I was successful in securing the position. My job was to liaise with sites to check invoices were correct and ensure everyone was paid on time.

“Rob James, the finance director, interviewed me and recognised I was ambitious and keen to progress.

“I remember him saying that he knew when hiring me he would have to recruit again soon because I would likely progress into other areas of the business. And that’s what happened after seven months.

“The training department was in need of an extra pair of hands. There will be changes in the future and they wanted someone in there who knows about the department and the company when the changes happen.

“I was asked if it was of interest and I jumped at the chance. I’m glad they showed confidence in me.”

Garmon, who plays left wing for Ruthin FC, spent two years in New Zealand thanks to links between the Cymru Alliance club and Melville United FC, a semi-professional team based in Hamilton.

“I really enjoyed my time in New Zealand. I spent half a season with Melville and scored seven goals, helping the club reach the semi-finals of the New Zealand Cup, which is the equivalent of the FA Cup here,” he said.

“Away from football I loved the lifestyle. The beaches were amazing and the people were really nice.

“I also had a good job working in a Les Mills gym in Auckland, selling memberships.

“But it was the right time to come home. I was missing family and friends – and Ruthin FC were missing me!”

After graduating from university, Garmon worked for the Urdd Eisteddford where he helped organise events and youth clubs for schools.

And after returning to Ruthin from New Zealand, he worked for a marquee company as well as at a school in an admin role.

However, his eyes were set firmly on joining his brother Rhydian at Jones Bros, who is a project manager.

“It’s a cliché but no two days are the same,” said Garmon. “I’m learning the fundamentals including the apprenticeships we offer and how they work.

“I’m booked to do a few courses, for example in health and safety, as well as to visit sites to see how the projects are managed. It’s important I make the visits because the reason I am at Jones Bros is because of the work we do on site.

“Everyone at Jones Bros Civil Engineering is really supportive and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”