SKILLS
As the government funded Kickstart scheme now draws to its conclusion, we at the Chamber have been evaluating our experiences of the scheme over the last 18 months. For those of you who have been involved with the project, it comes as no surprise that this period of time has been mixed with highs and lows. There have been many frustrations, but our overriding feeling is that we are proud to have been involved in a scheme which has achieved so much good – both for the young people in need of work, and also the businesses we have helped support. The Chamber of Commerce has helped to facilitate over 260 placements for young people throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Our role has been much more involved than originally anticipated, and whilst this required much more focus, it has been a genuine pleasure to support the businesses that applied for Kickstart via the Chamber. As with all recruitment, it is not always plain sailing, and there have been examples of candidates starting roles that were not for them. We have seen 79 resignations, but this means we have also seen 183 young people either fulfil their role in a kickstart placement or are currently working in position. More than half of the candidates who
have completed their placements have gone to work in permanent positions or apprenticeships within their company. We have become close with many of the businesses we have worked with, speaking with them regularly and supporting them. Two examples of businesses who have had a very ‘mixed bag’ experience are My Netball Limited, and Redditch United Football Club. Based in Stourport on Severn, My Netball Limited are a start-up with the drive to become a well known brand. The business run country wide netball leagues, as well as supplying netball products - encouraging people to get active and develop a passion for netball. Founder and owner, Kerry Bannister, had just begun the business when the pandemic first hit which halted all progress. Kerry needed more help with the workload, and fresh ideas to help her diversify. She employed 4 kickstart candidates. Whilst not all of them worked out, Jess and Jamie, have become indispensable to the business. They have huge plans for sponsorship and social media campaigns and we are delighted that Kerry has found employees she can place so much trust in. Redditch United Football Club have taken on 18 placements throughout Kickstart.
The organisation is driven and motivated to grow. Their kickstart candidates were all placed within different departments. Football matches were heavily restricted for a portion of the placements, but the club thought creatively about how to make the placement of use to both the candidates and themselves. Redditch United Chairman and CEO David Faulkner commented, “We are extremely proud to have worked with the Kickstart programme over the past 18 months. As our business came back from Covid we have had significant growth and due to this were able to host a number of candidates in several different roles. Whether the placement was completed or not, the candidates have managed to develop some essential skills for their working life. I am very pleased to report that we have now taken on two of our Kickstarter’s on full time roles after their time on the scheme came to an end. We currently have six candidates still to finish placements with us and we hope to be able to offer more permanent positions to some of those too. The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all Kickstart employers for their dedication to the project. It has been an experience!
Are you a Worcestershire based business? Is your business looking to expand its workforce? Would you like to hear about the different options available to you? Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are currently working with businesses within Worcestershire on the Skills for Worcestershire contract. This project is part funded by the European Social Fund. We want to increase the number of quality training opportunities available to young people within Worcestershire and help you address your businesses recruitment agenda and workforce planning. Please contact Lauren Ashford, Business Engagement Advisor, for further information.
laurena@hwchamber.co.uk
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May/June 2022
