Kickstart placements continue to create opportunities for locals

Staff across the Calico Group (@Calico_Group) gathered last week to honour the 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 form a key part of the Group’s recent pledge to create 100 new job opportunities in the local community.

With this latest cohort, the Group 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.

The event provided an ideal opportunity for graduates to connect safely with colleagues from the wider Group. Staff including Group Chief Executive Anthony Duerden took the opportunity to congratulate those involved on their achievements and learn more about the experience they had gained during their placements.

Jordan Price, who has been working as a financial administrator at Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction 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 and provides employment opportunities to 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. The 6-month paid positions are designed to 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’ve been genuinely impressed with the hard work and dedication displayed by our Kickstarters and we’re incredibly pleased 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.”

All Kickstart opportunities, including several within the Calico Group, are advertised with JobCentre Plus and you can find details of current vacancies from your job coach.