Leeds housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise is giving four talented young people the opportunity to develop their workplace experience and skills with six-month placements through the Kickstart scheme.
Funded by the Government, Kickstart is open to individuals aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
Unity, based in Chapeltown, has provided four placements across four different parts of the organisation. Two recruits are working in housing, with the regeneration and finance teams welcoming one new employee to their ranks.
Each successful candidate was selected following a challenging selection process including a panel interview.
Since taking up their posts, the young people have been having monthly one to one meetings with their line managers to review progress and explore any training needs that will help them to fulfil their respective job requirements.
Members of Unity’s employment services team also meet with each of the trainees fortnightly to talk about their individual goals and expectations. These conversations help the advisors prepare the candidates for their future job search.
Between three and six months into the placement, bespoke skills sessions are delivered in-house including CV building, completing application forms, interview preparation and techniques, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and achieving a positive work/life balance through efficient time management.
The central aim of the training is to enable the candidates to recognise the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout their placements and better understand their choice of career paths including next steps.
Wayne Noteman, Unity Regeneration Director, said: “I’m a firm believer in growing our own so it’s fantastic to have these impressive young people working with us.
“Each of them comes from local surrounding communities and has their own unique life stories to tell.
“What they share are youthful energy, high levels of ability in the workplace, a willingness to learn and a burning desire to succeed. All of which will increase their confidence and make them more marketable in the workplace.”
“We look forward to helping them to continue flourishing with Unity, before using the experience and new skills they have gained to progress their future careers.”
