The first wave of our Kickstart placements have proved to be a real success in helping young people take their next step on the career ladder.
Out first group of 10 young people are now nearing the end of their six-month placements as part of Kickstart – set up by the Government to create new entry level job placements for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit who aren’t in either education or employment.
One of those is Rebecca Mitchell, who undertook a placement at Spring Street with Great Lives Oldham and is now taking up a role doing art therapy with children in primary schools in Oldham – something that she has always wanted to do.
She said: “I would like to thank you for all of the opportunities presented to me within the period of my employment. I have learnt many skills I didn’t have before. This job has set me up with the confidence that will benefit me for
the future and my next step.”
Also successful in gaining employment was Patrick Eaton who was recently offered a permanent full time position with the AA vehicle breakdown service.
As part of the programme the JET (Jigsaw Employment team) provides a range of training and work search support, the People team gives an induction to the organisation and JigsawSupport’s Volunteer and Peer Mentor has brought the group together, supporting their wellbeing, confidence and self development. Kickstarting Their Careers
Lawrence Milner, Assistant Director at Jigsaw Support, who is leading the Kickstart Programme said: “We have been able to provide these young people with valuable work experience, training opportunities, CV skills and job search support. It’s been wonderful to see them develop and help them advance in their future careers.”
Placements consist of 25 hours per week over six months and provide valuable work experience to improve future employability. The positions have been based in our Estate Services, Neighbourhoods and Jigsaw Support teams. A further ten opportunities to join us in the next cohort have now been advertised through the Department for Work and Pensions.
