Kickstart is helping to bridge the employment and skills gap for young people and businesses.

The government-funded scheme, Kickstart, has seen businesses all over the country offer six-month placements for 16–24-year-olds to help them gain valuable work experience.

The Group has worked with 25 young people across different teams from grounds maintenance, community safety, community involvement, Progress Lifeline and Property Services, supporting them to gain valuable work experience and learn new skills.

Jack is just one of several successes from our Kickstart interns that we would like to share
with you.

Jack started working with the Property Services Contracts Team in October last year as a
Kickstarter. Jack has now secured a permanent position with a national contractor due to his experiences whilst working here.

Jack says about his Kickstart journey: “Working at Progress Housing Group through the
Kickstart Scheme has proved to be invaluable to my career development. After graduating
from university without taking a placement year, securing a role in a competitive market with
desired experience was proving to be tough.

“Through the Kickstart Scheme, I have had the opportunity to work alongside
the Property Services Contracts Team, who made me feel welcome and part of the team from day one. As a result, I have acquired and developed various skills and technical expertise, working on a mix of projects and gaining support and mentorship from my colleagues across the department.

“Having had the encouragement and chance to pursue areas of interest from management, I
worked in the Asset Management Team, carrying out stock condition surveys. This experience has proved crucial in securing my next position as a full-time Stock Condition Surveyor with a national contractor, and it wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t had this
opportunity.

“Overall I have really enjoyed my time working with the Property Services Team at Progress
Housing Group. I wish everyone and the company the best in the future and a huge
thanks to all who have helped me.”

We wish him the best of luck in his new job!

  • As part of the Kickstart Scheme, young people receive the National Minimum Wage for working 25 hours a week for six months. Progress Housing Group increased this wage to ensure it met the Real Living Wage and offered holidays.
  • The Kickstart Scheme was a great way for young people to get work experience and develop their skills for future employment opportunities. 
  • To find out more, visit: Kickstart Campaign | Progress Housing Group (progressgroup.org.uk)