Young people hit by pandemic kickstart a new career

The Kickstart recruits Izzy, Alexie and Codie.

A trio of young people affected by the downturn in the COVID-19-ravaged job market have been given a 'Kickstart' to get their careers back on track.

Izzy McGarry, Alexie Dean and Codie Ellis, all from Salford, have joined housing association Salix Homes as part of the government-funded Kickstart scheme.

Like thousands of young people across the country, they have all felt the impact of the pandemic, both personally and professionally.

Izzy, 21, is Salix Homes’ new learning and development assistant, but had been working in the hospitality sector – an industry devastated by the lockdown restrictions.

She said: “The pandemic gave me a lot of time to reflect on what I want to do. Working in pubs was great for a couple of years, but I couldn’t see myself progressing in that industry, which is why I wanted to join the Kickstart programme and try a new sector.”

Codie, 20, had started a dental nursing apprenticeship which was cancelled amid the pandemic. She’s now joined Salix Homes as an assistant in its people services team, which deals with HR matters.

She said: “After my apprenticeship was cancelled, I worked in residential homes, which I found very rewarding, but trying to find jobs at the moment is really difficult and it knocks your confidence a little bit.”

Alexie, 24, is the new project assistant at Salix Homes and had been unemployed for six months before Kickstart.

He said: “I’ve definitely felt isolated over the last year. The learning side of the Kickstart programme is most important for me – I want to better myself and help my future.”

Kickstart is a £2 billion funded national scheme designed to create high quality, six-month, paid work placements for unemployed young people aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, said: “Young people are amongst the hardest hit by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, so we’re very proud to be able to create these new job opportunities for local people who may have otherwise struggled to secure employment.

“Izzy, Alexie and Codie are motivated, enthusiastic and eager to learn and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the Salix Homes team and help them to develop the skills and experience they need to build themselves a bright future.”

The Kickstart recruits Izzy, Alexie and Codie.