The Government’s Kickstart scheme, that was launched to help tackle youth unemployment, has led to 34 people securing permanent roles with Southern Co-op.
After opening up a large number of roles across its stores, funeral services and head office, 76 people took up placements under the scheme which was aimed at 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who were at risk of long-term unemployment.
The final placements finished at the end of September which also tied in with the 2022 National Inclusion Week dedicated to celebrating inclusion and taking action to create inclusive workplaces.
Just over 65% who completed the six month placement, were offered permanent roles including Olivia Madgwick from Portsmouth who accepted a role as a Recruitment Resourcer just a few months after starting.
At risk of long-term unemployment, Olivia turned her life around and made an instant good impression on the team.
Linda Masterman, Southern Co-op’s Diversity and Inclusion Manager, said: “When I interviewed her, she said I’m not going to lie but I don’t know if I’m going to like office work. It was a big step for her but she’s really happy with what she is doing.
“She’s just got on and ran with it and she fits in well with the team. Members of the recruitment team saw real potential in her and she just got on with it from day one. We didn’t want to lose her.”
On the Isle of Wight, Jamie McCallum also impressed the local team at the Lake funeral branch. Jamie, who has autism, dyslexia and attention deficit disorder, has previously struggled with employment and initially came across as chronically shy and lacking in any confidence.
Sean Worthington, Area Support Centre Manager, said: “Within a year, Jamie went from being frozen with fear, to, actively engaging with medical professionals and taking a lead role.
“Kickstart gave Jamie the time he needed to slowly build his confidence and bring out his full potential. He has turned his inner turmoil into outer strength and made a tremendous impact on the funeral team as well as everyone else he meets.
“Jamie’s family has even seen a significant change as he is now actively involved in wider family conversations and brimming with confidence whilst showing his true character.
“The Kickstart program has brought my team together to support these individuals as a collective. Special thanks to Alex who was Jamie’s mentor and who put in so much time both at work and personally to support Jamie getting him to where he is now.”
After the Kickstart scheme finished, Jamie, aged 23, was taken on as a Casual Funeral Service Operative, impressing people with his politeness, keenness, and smart attire.
The independent, regional co-operative also opened up roles at its retail stores and one stand out colleague is Chloe Wren who works at The Co-operative Food in Shirley, Croydon.
She said: “I was at university for two years and it just wasn’t for me. I had a lot of health issues so I had to go on Universal Credit. I was too nervous to find a job myself as I needed a bit of support. I got told about Kickstart and I thought I’ll go for it.
“It was terrifying but, as soon as I started here, they thought of me as part of the team. It really did boost my confidence.
“I didn’t think that I’d stay in this job but with the experience that I have got from it and the people, it has changed my life. I feel I have a purpose.”
Chloe started her Kickstart placement on 29 November and by April she had been promoted to Duty Manager. She is now considering management training to possibly become a store manager in the future.
Her Duty Manager Allyson Munro said: “She cared from the start. Everyone needs a Chloe at their work. It’s not just somewhere she comes and gets money and goes home.
“She enjoys it here and we enjoy her being here. She’s great and she’s just a nice friend. We have been there to help her gain more confidence. We help each other out all the time we can.”
The Kickstart Scheme placements were funded by the Government for 25 hours per week for six months and referrals were made via local Jobcentres.
In order to help them gain as many skills as possible, Southern Co-op’s programme also included training for a Level One Certificate in Employability Skills run by Havant & South Downs College.
Sarah Kavanagh, Business Transformation & HR Director at Southern Co-op, said: “What the Kickstart Scheme proved is that, with the right attitude and the right opportunity, people can overcome barriers and gain the confidence to progress their careers.
“Whilst the Kickstart scheme has come to an end, we still have opportunities open for the right candidates at our stores and branches across the south. We also have work experience and work placements available and would encourage anyone interested to come and talk to us.”
To find out more about career opportunities with Southern Co-op, visit https://www.southernco-opjobs.co.uk/jobs/.
