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Kickstart Scheme: My Experience
Unfortunately, like so many others I was made redundant during the pandemic. As a young person with limited experience, this was an extremely difficult time for me as I was competing against the hundreds of thousands of candidates who’d also been made redundant, that had years of experience on me. This in turn, decreased my employability and made the job search that much harder.
At a time where I felt all hope was lost, I attended my scheduled meeting with my work coach at Universal Credit. She mentioned that the government had introduced a new scheme designed to help young people like myself, aged 18-24 to find employment. Keen to know more, I asked if she would be able to send me any Kickstart opportunities that became available in my area.
The following day, I received a list of Kickstart vacancies in my area, however my attention was instantly piqued by one advertisement in particular: a Marketing Assistant role at Hoop Recruitment. Having had previously been placed by Hoop, a company I had always admired for its ethos and progressive culture, I jumped at the chance.
The application process was extremely easy, I simply sent my CV to my work coach who then forwarded on my application to the directors here at Hoop. The very next day, I received a call from Paul Lewis, Director of Hoop, for an informal chat about the role and to arrange an interview for the following week.
Following a successful interview, I was offered the role and started in April 2021. In my 5 months here at Hoop I cannot stress how many invaluable skills I’ve learnt that I can not only implement in my future career, but also in daily life. Despite not having an existing Marketing team in place, my manager was able to offer guidance and support me throughout my placement, whilst also enabling me to make the role my own. I also have monthly reviews with my manager, where I’m able to discuss any queries I may have, reflect on what’s worked well that month as well as what didn’t and how I can improve on this in the future.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement here at Hoop and cannot recommend the scheme enough! I’m lucky enough to have been offered a full-time permanent contract with Hoop upon the end of my placement, where I’ll be managing my own department and even mentoring my own Kickstarter which will be incredible career development for myself.
If you’re a young person struggling to find employment, please see the sources below of contacts who will be able to assist you in your job search. Alternatively, call Hoop Recruitment on 02922 400 519 where a member of our specialist team will be able to advise you on any suitable roles we may have, as well as a FREE cv consultation!
Sources
Universal Credit
https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
DWP
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions
Careers Wales
0800 028 4844
https://careerswales.gov.wales/
Youth Employment UK
01536 513388
https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/employment-help-young-people/
