“It’s a win-win situation”
Among them is Paola Dyboski-Bryant, founder of Dr Zigs Extraordinary Bubbles, which makes eco-friendly children’s bubble mixes and accesories in Bangor, Wales. “It’s been challenging to graduate in a pandemic with that anxiety and not knowing if there were jobs,” she says. “Young people have had such a rollercoaster ride.”
Paola has taken on six Kickstarters this year, and they are earning as they learn new skills.
“We have to make sure we deliver and give our Kickstarters the best training they can get,” explains Paola.
“We’re really nurturing them. I’ve always been very keen to support youngsters, so they’ve had really good training and good management, but even so I’ve been surprised by how fantastic they have been. They’re such a lovely bunch.
“Investing in people always has its rewards. The Kickstart Scheme has given us, as a small company, the opportunity to grow and recruits the chance to do something they wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.”
Kickstart recruit Tecwyn Emrys Jones, 21, agrees. “What made me apply for Dr Zigs was the job description. It had a varied amount of tasks on it and I’m a jack-of-all trades type of person so it really suited me,” says Tecwyn (left). “I did my GCSEs and some of my AS levels and was ready for work.
“At the moment I’m packing and bottling on the manufacturing side, and the people here are nice. And it’s pretty decent to be earning money.
“I would say that if you see a Kickstart role then go for it – it’s really good for experience and for getting into the world of work.”
“Before opening The Chocolatarium, I ran an English language school so I was very experienced in working with young people. I enjoy taking them on and seeing them grow as well as it being helpful for the business itself.
“We initially took on six Kickstart recruits at the end of March and one now has a job with us. The scheme allows you to grow the business in a way you couldn’t before. Before it was just myself, the assistant manager and about six guides. One of the reasons I decided to use Kickstart was because with the pandemic, we were in the process of setting up an online chocolate shop.
Beth Jamieson