The Kickstart Scheme and How it Provides Valuable Work Experience for Young Adults

What is the Kickstart Scheme?

The Kickstart Scheme is a Government-funded initiative which works to help young individuals aged 16-24 who are currently in receipt of Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment. It’s aimed at getting people into paid work for a period of six months, during which they will gain transferrable skills and industry experience that will help build their CV and increase the chances of full-time employment.

According to Sky News, at least 167,450 jobs were lost due to the coronavirus pandemic between 2020-21. The subsequent aftermath of lockdowns meant that industries including hospitality, aviation and retail took the biggest hit, with younger people being the worst impacted. As a forward-thinking law firm and estate agency, we are always keen to have enthusiastic people join our team with the potential for progression in a variety of fields.

We are delighted to have signed up for the programme and have recently welcomed two new team members here at McSherry Halliday. Joining our estate agency team as our new administration assistant, Ben, has settled well into his new role.

What Ben has to say about the Scheme –

“The Kickstart Scheme has been unimaginably helpful to me. The employees in Kilmarnock job centre do a great job and are there every step of the way supporting individuals to secure jobs. My new role as an administration assistant for the estate agency department involves speaking to clients to arrange viewings, sending home reports, putting properties on the market and assisting with valuations. So far, I am absolutely loving it! This is the first job I’ve had where I wake up in the morning with a bright attitude and look forward to going to work. I know this role at McSherry Halliday will 100% stand me in good stead for the future.”

Additionally, our new receptionist, Alfie, has joined the team and has developed a keen interest in law.

What Alfie has to say about his new role –

“ I am very much enjoying my role, and everyone has been very welcoming and warm. My role involves answering calls and a mix of administration work, including scanning and storing digital versions of documents. The Kickstart Scheme assisted with interview preparation and helped me prepare for the role. I believe the programme has helped with future job prospects, especially in the field of law, which has greatly interested me since I started working at McSherry Halliday”.

We wish Ben and Alfie all the best in their new roles and we hope to recruit a further two individuals through the scheme in the coming months.