A bright future

HOW THE UK GOVERNMENT’S PLAN FOR JOBS IS BOOSTING EMPLOYMENT CHANCES AND CREATING VACANCIES

Whether you’re starting out, switching careers or looking for a local vacancy, finding a job in the middle of a pandemic isn’t easy.

So the UK Government has launched a number of initiatives to create, support and protect employment with its Plan For Jobs.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the Kickstart Scheme last summer, offering job opportunities for 1624-year-olds who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. There are also Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPS) offering six-week placements, and the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) to help self-employed people develop their business.

Nichola Venables, CEO of property-tech start-up New Build Database (NBDB), is one of many employers offering young people opportunities under the Kickstart Scheme.

EXPERIENCE

With 20 years’ experience in finance, management and risk, Nichola can offer on-the-job training to candidates and has advertised seven vacancies at her Cardiff Bay-based business.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping others grow,” says Nichola, 42. “I left school at 16 with few qualifications, although I’m currently completing a masters level business leadership course. And I understand that for some people, getting into early employment is more critical to their long-term success or immediate needs than going to university.”

And as a small start-up, NBDB is an ideal environment to learn a broad range of skills. “One key thing for the team is to be prepared to work on any task,” says Nichola. “They’ll learn customer service, data management, research and analysis skills, social media management… All the roles will be remote, and they’ll be suitable for many people who might otherwise experience

I’m excited to offer a chance to learn through work experience

challenges or barriers to working. From a selfish point of view, I’ve missed having colleagues around me, and I can’t wait to start daily calls with the team.”

Nichola’s also excited about what the youngsters can bring to the business: “I expect some will have ideas about the software that I haven’t yet considered, Their familiarity with intuitive apps will make them great test analysts for later software rollouts. I hope they’ll also bring fresh ideas about approaching customers via social media. Towards the end of the programme, I’ll support them in writing CVS, practising their interviewing skills and building their brand.”

At the end of the scheme, companies can hire the staff if there’s a permanent position available. “I’m so excited to offer a chance to learn and grow through work experience,” says Nichola. “Hopefully, I’ll help the individuals go on to secure long-term employment. I would love for that to be with NBDB, but if it’s not possible to offer them a job I’ll do everything I can to help them secure work elsewhere.”

For the latest vacancies, as well as advice on applying for a job, visit gov.uk/jobhelp.