Job success for Walsall youngsters

• 30th December 2021

Customers

A national scheme designed to help young people into jobs has proven a huge success for Walsall youngsters, after five budding housing professionals landed jobs at whg.

Thomas Price, Bridie Shaw, Sarah Yates, Chloe Weller and Sumena Begum have all been offered jobs at the housing association after completing a six month job placement through the government’s Kickstart programme. Inam Haq has secured a role with an external organisation.

Tom, who was working in a charity shop when he saw the Kickstart programme advertised, has successfully landed a role as a Community Housing Coordinator. He said: “Before the Kickstart programme I was struggling to find a job as my lack of experience was holding me back. The scheme has been really good and has prepared me for work in an office environment.”

Meanwhile Sarah has secured a job as a Planner and Bridie is now starting work within whg’s allocations team. Chloe and Sumena have joined the planning team.

Social Value Co-ordinator Donna Goodall said: “I’m thrilled with how successful the programme has been for us so far, and that we have already been able to offer permanent positions to some of our Kickstarters.

“We now have 10 Kickstarters with us and hope to take on more due to how successful it has been. This scheme is making a real difference by breaking down the barriers faced by young people seeking employment and providing the work experience needed for a better and brighter future.”