Work placements help to kick start careers

A water firm is aiming to help young people at risk of longterm unemployment by offering nearly 40 job placements.

Northumbrian Water is providing 37 places through the Government’s Kickstart Scheme – with six months of work experience and a qualification.

The roles being offered by the firm include positions in administration and information services, as well as operational posts.

While receiving training and equipment for the roles, the youngsters will also leave with a Level 1 qualification in Occupational Studies and a Level 2 certificate in Customer Service at the end of the placement.

Support will be offered through a buddying scheme that Northumbrian Water will be implementing, with existing employees offering support and guidance during their time with the company.

Placements are being offered through Jobcentre Plus.

Kay Penney, human resources director at Northumbrian Water, said: “When the Kickstart Scheme was announced by the Government, we jumped at the opportunity to support young people to increase their employment prospects.

“So many of our workforce have come to us as young people, taking their first steps in theworldofwork,orreturning to employment after enforced breaks, and they have become valuableemployeesplayingimportant roles in our business.

“The jobs market is a very competitive place at the moment, whatever experience you have, but we know many youngpeoplearereallyfinding it hard to get a break. We hope that the experience, learning andqualificationtheygetfrom comingtousthroughtheKickstart Scheme will give them a valuable step up.”