Newcastle based destination and investment organisation, NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), has hired four young people through the government’s Kickstart scheme.
According to ONS data, almost 15,000 young people aged 18-24 in the North East were looking for work in June this year*.
Launched last year, the Kickstart scheme provides funding that enables employers to create six-month placements for people aged 16-24 in receipt of Universal Credit; helping to give them the skills and experience they need to support them into long-term employment.
NGI has taken on four young people in total, all who are paid the national living wage, working 25 hours a week, and supporting NGI to promote Newcastle and Gateshead as a place to stay, enjoy and invest. These new appointments come at a critical time as the region looks towards economic recovery, with all new Kickstarter’s having the opportunity to be involved in projects that will have a lasting impact for those who live and work in Newcastle and Gateshead.
Sarah Green, Chief Executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative said:
“Welcoming the new Kickstarters to NGI has been a really positive experience and we encourage others to do the same. It’s a great way to bring in fresh talent, future proof your business as we recover from the pandemic and to support young people, who are at risk of long-term unemployment, in the first steps of their career.
“Not only are they able to gain valuable experience and skills but, as the next generation of talent, they are bringing in bright ideas and a fresh perspective.
“All four young people have been a valuable asset to NGI so far supporting us at a critical time as we look to accelerate our economy and drive investment and job creation in the region.
“I would encourage other employers to consider taking on young people and giving them the experience they need to be continue to be successful and have a positive impact on our region.”
Shasha Findlay, 21, from Gateshead has joined NGI as a Marketing and Admin Assistant.
She said: “The Kickstart scheme is a learning and growing opportunity, but it is also providing me with hands-on experience across the organisation.
“Having this position allows me to be supported and coached with people who have years of experience in marketing.”
Grant Seville, 23 from the West End of Newcastle has joined as a Tourism Business Engagement Assistant.
He said: “The first few weeks here at NGI have been excellent as I have been exposed to a level of professionalism and insight that I had never experienced previously in a workplace setting. I have been made to feel welcome by all my colleagues, encouraged to grow and have been given the necessary tools to help carry out my role in the most efficient way possible.
“Having this opportunity has given me a sense of purpose to get up in the morning and feel like I am making a contribution towards something that I care about.”
Liam Bone, 23, Corporate Services Assistant added: “It’s incredible, from a mental health perspective it has helped a lot, to be someone to come out of the pandemic with a job and not the other way around is amazing.”
Luke Morgan, 19, has joined NGI as a Digital Marketing Assistant.
He said: “For me to be able to have this role is a massive opportunity as it allows me to gain a lot of experience that will help me in my career going forward. It also allows me to develop and learn more skills that can help me to become a better person.”
The Kickstart scheme is just one of the ways organisations can support young people, who have been adversely affected by the pandemic, into employment and training. Apprenticeships, work experience and traineeships are some of the other ways young people can gain valuable experience in the world of work.
Unemployed people of all ages can also sign up to Jobs@SkillsHub. The service provides Newcastle residents direct access to jobs, training and work experience opportunities and works with partners across the city to match the right person to the right opportunity.
Jobs@SkillsHub also gives employers free vacancy advertising and hands on support to find the right candidates for their roles, making the recruitment process as smooth as possible. There are currently 600 people actively looking for jobs, training and work experience on the website.
If your business is looking to recruit or would like more information about the Kickstart scheme visit www.skillshubnewcastle.co.uk for more information.