Scheme kickstarts more than 100 careers since launch in Worcestershire

The government's Kickstart scheme has helped over 100 young people find their way into the world of work in Worcestershire.

The scheme has created opportunities at employment opportunities at Witchbox Ltd in Malvern, Santa Cam in Bromsgrove and Worcester Cathedral to name a few.

The Kickstart scheme launched almost a year ago, and directly pays employers to create new jobs for any 16-24-year olds at risk of long-term unemployment.

One of Worcestershire’s kickstart success stories, is Jess, who has just started a work placement at Adapt IT.

Her manager, Simon O’Gorman, Managing Director at Adapt IT said: “Jess joined our company on the 13th July.  Initially she was quite nervous as it was a really new environment and as family run business at first sight could be quite daunting.  But Jess has thrived, helping us build our website and web presence and inputting her ideas into what we could do to better promote and build the business.  She is a hard worker and quick learner.  She has embraced the different elements of the business and the projects we have given her and we are working on giving her the experience and training to grow even more.

"The Kickstart scheme has really helped us as a small business and not only provided us with someone who is keen and as passionate as we are, but also the support to start on the path to growth and hopefully something to build on for further recruitment opportunities in the future.”

The scheme is worth £2 billion and is providing thousands of young people with the best possible chance of getting a job and kickstarting their careers.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “We’ve been really pleased with the opportunities that the Kickstart scheme has offered to young people in Worcestershire. It’s great to see employees across the county give young people a chance to develop their skills, whilst also entering the world of work.”