In September 2020, the Government launched the £2 billion landmark Kickstart scheme, to create thousands of new jobs for Britain's young people aged 16 - 24 at risk of long-term unemployment due to the pandemic.
SSCL is a values-based organisation. We have a strong commitment to social value, placing great emphasis on how our business activities can positively contribute to the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of our employees, local communities, and UK society in general.
It was this commitment which cemented our determination to support the Kickstart Scheme, having recently recruited 13,500 Department of Work and Pension (DWP) work coaches.
For SSCL, supporting this scheme allowed the company to give back to the young people in our local communities and offer more than just a six-month placement.
We wanted to offer a career path, with a broad range of qualifications and much needed experience, preparing each young person for the future.
Roles were advertised via regional Job Centres, supported by the SSCL HR team who attended job clubs to help potential candidates complete the application process. DWP Work Coaches also referred interested individuals who met the scheme’s criteria.
In August 2021, SSCL recruited 10 young people from a range of backgrounds and experience onto a structured six-month programme of development. They joined the business as Process Assistants split between SSCL Newcastle and SSCL York.
Each young person was allocated a trained mentor from within the business to support their development journey. Mentors helped them understand the business, its values, vision, and work practices, as well as setting milestones and objectives and preparing them for regular performance reviews. The mentors were enthusiastic SSCL colleagues, keen to be involved, and volunteering their time to support and guide our Kickstart placements. Training was given to 20 volunteers – another wonderful example of how our people live our values. What happened next? At the start of 2022, feedback highlighted that all our placements had grown in confidence and ability through their experience of working in a corporate environment and the training they had received. Kickstart Scheme Placement: Kyle Cooper, Process Assistant, SSCL Government, said: “The Kickstart programme has been a game changer for me. It was lovely to be offered a chance in a hugely competitive job market (not an easy place for someone who was unemployed, with no work experience), and be offered a permanent role after the six-month kickstart period. I have learned a great deal, not just how to be more effective and efficient in my overpayments role, but also developing my confidence and building relationships with the amazing people at SSCL. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful, and I can honestly say that I love working here.”
Due to the success of the scheme and the hard work and commitment of each person, SSCL has now been able to offer all 10 placements a permanent role.
Kerry Paylor, Head of HR, SSCL Government said: “Being involved in the Kickstart programme was the highlight of my year. It was great to get out of the house, visit the Job Centres and meet the potential placements face to face. Hearing their individual stories of employment and work experience; I knew that as a company SSCL had set up a special programme of support to help these young people be successful and gain confidence in their employability. The line manager support and the mentors that each placement received played a part in helping these young people to succeed. They have all worked hard and taken every opportunity to learn. I am so proud that they have all secured permanent roles in SSCL. I am hoping they go from strength to strength and continue to build a career with us.”
The Kickstart Scheme is a great example of businesses being able to support people, driving aspirations to succeed, and improving overall employability. To find out more about SSCL go to sscl.com
