Staff across the Group gathered last week to honour our latest cohort of Kickstarters as they completed their six-month placements. Of those honoured, over 85% are taking up further placements or full-time positions both within the Group and externally. The Kickstart placements are a key part of our pledge to create 100 new job opportunities locally.
With this latest cohort, the we have now created a total of 56 Kickstart placements since the programme’s inception. Those graduating were completing placements across admin, construction and customer services having previously been facing long-term unemployment.
Parents, loved ones and staff from across the Calico Group attended the event, hosted at the Life Church building in Burnley. During the event, our Kickstart graduates were each awarded certificates in recognition of their achievement and treated to a fully-catered lunch.
The event was an ideal opportunity for graduates to connect safely with our colleagues from the wider Group. Everyone took the opportunity to congratulate those involved and learn more about the experience they had gained during their placements.
Jordan, a financial administrator at Ring Stones said, “I’ve really enjoyed my time working for Calico so far. I never expected to enjoy a job in finance but when you’re working with people you enjoy being around, it makes the days go by a little easier. Kickstart gave me a way back into work after being stuck, unable to find a job because of Covid. It’s been great!”
Funding for the Kickstart programme is provided by the Government. The programme offers employment opportunities to 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. The 6-month paid positions equip young people with the skills and experience necessary to compete in the jobs market.
Sam Howarth, Head of Skills & Enterprise said of the event, “Today has been a great opportunity for us to get together and celebrate the achievement of these young people. We are genuinely in awe of the hard work and dedication of our Kickstarters. We’re incredibly happy that the majority of those completing their placements have secured further employment. We wish each of them the very best of luck with their future careers.”
JobCentre Plus advertise all of our current Kickstart opportunities . You can find details of current vacancies from your job coach.
