A Government Scheme Called Kickstart – Ben Smart
Finding a job/career during the height of the pandemic was a difficult task for the best of us. However, the introduction of the Kickstart scheme gave me the opportunity to apply for roles that I had no previous experience in with a much greater chance of success. What was the Kickstart scheme? It was a government initiative to create 6-month job opportunities for job seekers aged between 16 and 24 to help prevent young people from long term unemployment during the pandemic.
I applied for the position of PA to the Directors at Blue Whale Media which started as a part-time contract of 25 hours per week with the prospect of a full-time contract at the end of the 6-month scheme. Every few months I would liaise with my Kickstart coach to check how I am getting on and what new tasks/responsibilities I have learnt. As well as the support from my job coach, I would have 1 to 1’s with our Office Manager Rachel to check I am settling into the role well and to make sure I am not struggling with the work I am provided. I completed the Kickstart scheme in November 2021 where I was offered a permanent role and continued to work at Blue whale Media. As of May 2022, I am working towards the next stage of my career completing a Level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship. – 24/05/22
