whg kickstarts careers for young people in Walsall

Young people in Walsall are well on their way to a career in housing after kickstarting their careers with whg.

The leading Midlands’ landlord created 18 new job roles through the government’s Kickstart programme – with budding housing professionals spending six months earning and learning new skills in areas such as lettings, community housing and planning & admin.

A total of nine so far have gone on to secure jobs following the end of their initial six month contract, of which eight were with whg and one with a supply chain contractor.

In recognition of their support and contribution in delivering the Kickstart programme, the housing association was presented with a thank you award certificate by the DWP.

Employment and Skills Manager Alison Matthews said: “We’re thrilled to have been able to support so many young people into full time employment.

“As an anchor institution committed to improving the lives of local people it’s important that we tackle youth unemployment, and create opportunites for our customers that can really help them on the path to success.

“All our kickstarters have done incredibly well and I look forward to seeing them progress in their chosen careers.”

The Kickstart Scheme is a government-backed initiative that provides six-month funded work placements for jobseekers claiming Universal Credit aged between 16 and 24 and who are at long-term risk of unemployment. The scheme aims to help jobseekers to develop new skills, build confidence, and increase chances of moving into longer-term employment.