Fifty young people across Great Britain have kickstarted their careers in the creatives as they began their six month placements with award-winning marketing company Purpol.
The new starters join thousands across the country that have safely started their Kickstart placements and will see them learn new skills such as digital marketing, social media and leadership.
Based in Chippenham, Wiltshire, Purpol Marketing has given young jobseekers in England, Wales and Scotland a leg up in the world of work with the help of the UK Government-backed provision. Seven of these starters have gone on to find permanent jobs already.
The Kickstart Scheme provides opportunities which will boost the career prospects of young people, giving them the skills and experience to stay in longer term employment. Forming part of the Plan for Jobs, the initiative provides six-month, fully-funded placements for 16-24 year olds, and has created nearly 150,000 jobs since it launched.
Joined by Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey, the new recruits discussed how they have been able start their roles remotely and how Kickstart has helped them start on the road to a new career.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey MP stated:
“It was great to meet the young jobseekers who have begun their Kickstart journey with Purpol Marketing and are receiving that helping hand to fulfil their potential and launch their careers. Young people have been hit especially hard by this pandemic and that’s why they are at the heart of our Plan for Jobs, to help them back onto their feet and into employment as we push to build back better.”
Ruby Kittle, 23, from Glasgow, has started her Kickstart role with Purpol Marketing and was on the call with the Secretary of State. She said:
“Unfortunately my career plans were skewed due to COVID-19, so I was unemployed for several months after graduating. After joining Purpol Marketing through the Kickstart Scheme I have gained a significant boost in experience and knowledge in an industry I had always been interested in but never fully pursued. After the Kickstart internship ends I hope to pursue another role in digital marketing using the new skills I have developed.”
Purpol Marketing Ltd Managing Director Denise O’Leary commented:
“We have been delighted to support the Kickstart scheme offering remote digital marketing placements through my company Purpol Marketing. We launched with 50 placements and seven people have already found jobs – we are so thrilled that they have been able to apply their learning and improve their future opportunity. The enthusiasm they are showing across a broad range of marketing disciplines is incredible – I would encourage all employers to look at this scheme.”
The Plan for Jobs aims to protect, support and create jobs across the country and offers targeted support to help jobseekers of all ages back into employment. It ensures people receive tailored Jobcentre Plus support to help them find a new career and to build the skills needed to get into work.
To find out more about the Kickstart Scheme, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme