New Year, new job?

We are celebrating the New Year by offering 40 Kickstart vacancies within businesses across North Lincolnshire, in a bid to get young people into employment. 

The scheme provides funding to employers to create six month long placements for people between 16 and 24 years old and currently receiving Universal Credit. The government will fund each placement, paying them national minimum wage for 25 hours a week.

Current vacancies are advertised in a range of sectors from care, hospitality, administration, sales, warehouse, food manufacturing, floristry and teaching.

A few of the businesses taking part on the scheme include, The Black Door bar in Scunthorpe, Tolsa, Corrboard, Holme Valley School, Hall Farm, Two Sisters Food Group, Oakley Fabrications and Humberside Aid Plant.

Claire Sparrow, Kickstart Tutor Mentor at Ongo Said: “We are just so excited to be back with a bang in 2022, offering more and more opportunities for young people to get on the career ladder.

“I can’t shout about the Kickstart scheme enough, both from the person getting into employment, or from the business gaining a free member of staff. We’ve seen so many fantastic success stories over the last year and we can’t wait to have even more.

“If you’re interested in any of the vacancies, or if you’re a business and would like to take part on some placements, please just get in touch with our team.”

To date we have supported 70 young people into jobs within 31 companies, with many being taken on full time after their placement is up.

After leaving university and finding it difficult to get a job throughout the pandemic, Jo Cooke was employed a Greenkeeper through Kickstart. Since then he has been given the skills and training needed to become a permanent member of staff.

When asked about his journey he said: “I loved my placement and am loving my job even more. I always wanted to work outdoors and there’s so much crossover with my degree so I get to pursue my passion too.

“There’s lots more to green keeping and maintaining a course than most people know, it’s quite a technical and specialist role, and is one I’d really hope to progress in.

“I’ve been given training on machines, using pesticides and more, but I’ve also developed my confidence and that has been just as important for me.

“I work with a great bunch of people and the support I’ve received from them and Ongo has been great. I’d recommend Kickstart to anyone struggling to find a job, it may lead to a career.”

To find out more about the scheme visit www.gov.uk/kickstart, and to apply for available roles, please contact your Work Coach at the Jobcentre or email amanda.barker@ongo.co.uk.