Sharing real-life experiences with the Kickstart scheme

Written on 17th, August 2021

This week we sat down with Sarah Pledger, Zoe Perry and their manager, Laura Toft to discuss the impacts of the Kickstart Scheme – Sarah and Zoe work within our Human Resources department.

In this blog, you will hear first-hand, the benefits the scheme has had on both the business and young people looking to kickstart their careers!

Here’s what Sarah had to say:

Participating in the Kickstart scheme has allowed me to access my first job after completing my undergraduate degree. I have always been very organised and enjoy problem-solving in my studies, and it has been beneficial learning how to apply these skills to a work setting. The scheme has helped to give me direction for my future work plans. I have learned a lot while working here and picked up lots of skills that I can put on my CV. The experience I have gained has been invaluable. I am moving up to Manchester and am excited to look for career opportunities in this field now I have the knowledge and experience I have gained as a foundation. I feel very fortunate to have such a brilliant manager who has been incredibly supportive. The wider office has also been very welcoming and made me feel like part of the team. I look forward to my future within Human Resources.

Here’s what Zoe had to say:

The Kickstart scheme has benefitted my skillset by allowing me to consider roles I might not have before. I have enjoyed participating in the employability training as it has allowed me to refresh my knowledge to help me succeed in the workplace and for future interviews. I have developed skills within Human Resources that I wouldn’t have known if I had not taken part in the scheme. I’ve found my work placement to be greatly beneficial and have loved being part of Professional Training Solutions. Their welcoming and friendly environment allowed me to settle in very quickly.  Throughout my work placement, I have received great support from my colleagues and manager, allowing me to gain confidence. I feel very equipped for my next steps, whatever those may be. I’ve overcome the challenge of being out of work for a period of time and being able to settle into a new environment!

Here’s what HR Executive, Laura had to say:

The Kickstart scheme has had a great impact on the workplace, it’s brilliant to see the staff members enjoying their roles and having a positive impact on the business. Sarah and Zoe have worked so hard to support the HR department. They have shown dedication and determination to learn new skills and have picked up several responsibilities they now take full ownership of. Both Sarah and Zoe have shown a huge development since starting with Professional Training Solutions. It’s been a joy watching them increase in confidence and ability. I would recommend the Kickstart scheme to any employer. It has been a fulfilling opportunity to watch someone grow as a person within the role. Overall, it has been a very enjoyable experience managing a Kickstarter.

It was a pleasure speaking with the HR department and hearing their experiences with the Kickstart scheme.

To find out more about the scheme, visit GOV.UK.

If you would like to investigate how your business could benefit from the Kickstart scheme – contact us today and we can help.