We are one of the country's leading manufacturers of printed personalised paper products. Providing
29/01/2025
Are you aged 16-19 looking to build the skills needed for the world of work?
Sign up to our free 8 week Youth Employment and Skills Training to:
🏭 Gain practical experience in a real work environment, ISCAL Coaster Factory
- Identify your strengths and build your confidence
- Access application form and interview support
- Connect with businesses who have work opportunities
and more!
For more information and to sign up: salesiscal@calderdale.gov.uk
01422 352054
06/12/2024
CultureDale are working with ISCAL Coaster Factory to bring a free upcycled wood decorations stall to the Thriftmas event tomorrow, Saturday 7 December, 1pm - 4pm at Forest Cottage, Halifax. Crafts, food, goodies and Santa's Grotto – all activities are free.
What an incredible journey this has been over the past eight weeks!
Participants have fully engaged, showcasing remarkable dedication and enthusiasm. Their growth has been inspiring to witness, with each individual progressing at their own pace.
Notably, one participant secured employment even before completing the final week—truly a testament to our programme's effectiveness!
Everyone developed both essential skills and newfound confidence while discovering their desired career paths.
With our support, many are now enrolled in further training opportunities tailored to help them land their dream jobs.
Some received interview invitations due to guidance from modules like 'How to Fill In Application Forms' & 'Interview Skills.'
The week concluded on a high note with Robin Tuddenham, Chief Executive of Council, and Councillor Sarah Courtney presenting certificates to participants—a proud moment celebrating all they've achieved.
16/10/2024
Weeks 6 & 7: Employability Skills Training
The past two weeks have proven to be a pivotal experience for our participants. Thanks to the support from Calderdale Employment Hub, they’ve gained invaluable insights into interview techniques, including the effective STAR method for answering questions.
Additionally, participants had the opportunity to explore local businesses like J&C Joel in Sowerby Bridge and Groupe Covéa.
At Covea, team members warmly welcomed them with a tour of their facilities followed by mock interviews—an excellent way for candidates to practice and refine their skills in a real-world context.
These experiences not only enhanced their employability but also boosted their confidence as they prepare to enter the job market.
26/09/2024
Week 5 - Employability Skills Training
Completing application forms can be a daunting task, even for those who are generally confident. This week, we dedicated our time to practicing with mock applications and discussing the significance of referencing the role profile while highlighting individual experiences and skills.
As our clients explore various roles within our programme, it’s fascinating to learn which positions resonate most with them. Their feedback not only reveals their preferences but also provides valuable insight into the types of work where they may truly excel.
This process serves as a critical stepping stone in helping them identify potential career paths that align with their strengths and interests.
19/09/2024
Week 4 - Employability Skills Training
This week centred on Leadership & Influence. We explored the traits that define a great leader and the qualities that inspire us in our careers.
In teams, we engaged in an activity where we had to illustrate something based solely on verbal descriptions from our peers—like starting with your pen at the centre of the page and drawing upwards. The results were impressive! It was fascinating to witness everyone stepping outside their comfort zones and truly shining through collaboration.
As we all know, job applications require you to promote yourself effectively. Our participants embraced this challenge by envisioning their dream jobs. They crafted persuasive letters detailing why they are ideal candidates, what unique contributions they can make, their relevant experiences, and what excites them about these roles.
10/09/2024
Week 3 - Employability Skills Training
This week was all about Team Work & Problem Solving - an essential skill for both work and everyday life!
It's inspiring to witness individuals stepping out of their comfort zones. Confidence is growing, bit by bit, and the progress is truly commendable!
They even made time for a fun jigsaw puzzle as part of our activities.
29/08/2024
Week 1: of our 8 week employability programme.
It seems to have started well. All the clients are very enthusiastic and engaging. They have all completed some Health & Safety training successfully and have been provided a certificate from Calderdale Health & Safety team.
Clients also spent time gaining work experience in different areas of the businesses:
- Admin
- Cleaning
- Working on the coaster machines
- Sorting wood out
What's in store for week 2?
Learning and developing key communication skills as well as how to deal with change and how to be resilient.
More work experience in the different areas of the business.
27/08/2024
Meet Bina Mistry, the Sales & Marketing Manager at iscal!
From overseeing customer relationships to developing our wood recycling venture, Bina does it all with passion and dedication.
Whether pricing timber or arranging collections, Bina ensures we meet customer specifications while staying on budget.
Join us at iscal Coaster Factory and Calderdale Wood Recycling to see Bina in action!
22/08/2024
Meet Robert Gaukroger, the Production Manager
09/08/2024
Looking for a job but not sure where to start?
Join our employability skills programme and kickstart your career!
🔹 8-week programme, 2 days a week
🔹 Gain real work experience in a factory or office setting
🔹 Develop essential skills to boost your employability
Don't miss out on this opportunity! Contact us at salesiscal@calderdale.gov.uk or give us a call at 01422352054 for more details. Let's work together towards your success!
04/12/2023
Visit out ebay shop to buy your Christmas coasters.
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The foundation stone for the Halifax Workshop for the Blind was laid in 1924.
The organisation began life in the 1930's as the 'Halifax Workshop for the Blind' employing people with severe visual impairment - the majority of whom were without any sight at all. For many years the work carried on at the workshop was a mixture of manual crafts - basket making, rush and cane seating, mop, brush and coir mat manufacturing were also typical of work undertaken. These were regarded as skilled trades and rewarded accordingly, with employees being regarded as craftsmen/women and paid appropriately. Around 1970’s the above trades were hard to continue due to modernisation. This is when the current tissue printing began. Around this period employment was opened up to include people with a wide range of disabilities with the current workforce reflecting this change. The underlying principle being that employees must be capable of contributing effectively to the aims and needs of the business.
Our purpose is quite simple; we provide fantastic products at competitive prices and our workforce is made up of engaged and committed people who have a disability.
Our mission statement is to "Create & maintain a stimulating environment, providing meaningful employment and training for people with disabilities".
To do this, we strive to:
•Safeguard the employment of disabled personnel.
•Improve the social, physical and mental wellbeing of all staff.
•Raise skill levels and generate greater self-esteem, confidence & awareness.
Over the years we’ve built up a fantastic range of products to provide what you need, when you need it. our products include:
