We’re involved in the Kickstart Housing Partnership led by Clarion Housing Group, which is part of the Government’s wider Kickstart Programme. We’ve created new job placements for young people which have been designed to help those, who’ve been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, gain vital employment skills and opportunities enabling brighter futures.   

The 6-month Kickstart roles are entry level positions are open to young people aged between 16-24, who’re currently unemployed and are claiming Universal Credit. 

We’re 4 months into the Partnership and we’re delighted to share news of one of our Kickstarters, Daniel, who joined us for a placement and who’s since been successful in getting a full-time position with us.

Daniel’s story

Daniel was attending regular meetings at Portsmouth Jobcentre Plus where he found out about the Kickstart programme. He went on to attend Kickstart job fairs where he virtually met Elliott, our Employment and Training Team Leader, who discussed the Kickstart placement roles that we had on offer.

After meeting Elliott, Daniel decided to apply for the Kickstart roles that we had available in IT and Daniel was invited to interview. Daniel was successful and was offered a 6-month placement with us in the IT department.

Daniel gained experience working with employees across our organisation on our IT Service Desk, helping to provide information and resolve queries on a wide range of topics, including the applications and software that we use on a daily basis.

Alongside providing work experience, we also provided employment and training to Daniel during his placement. Daniel worked closely with Matt from our Employment and Training Team to discuss his placement, career hopes and aspirations and Daniel’s goals for both the placement and his future career. Matt supported Daniel with creating a bespoke CV and cover letter which he used to apply for a full-time position with us and Matt also provided coaching on interview techniques, body language and building confidence for interviews. Alongside the help received from VIVID, Daniel was also supported by his work coach at Portsmouth Jobcentre Plus throughout the process.

Daniel says: “The Kickstart programme has enabled me to get an opportunity to train, learn, grow my skills and progress in my career. Kickstart has opened doors for me and also opened my eyes to what I really want to do in my life and has set me on the right career path.”

Whilst on his placement, Daniel decided to apply for a full-time position with us in our IT department after a vacancy became available. Daniel was successful in his application and we’re delighted he’s now a part of our IT team and is able to develop and nurture his skills even further.

Daniel adds: “I’m looking forward to learning the skills I need to progress in the IT industry and particularly develop through my team at VIVID. I’d like to become a fully trained Support Technician before then progressing to a Senior role and hopefully management later on. I feel I’m in the best environment for this to happen and VIVID provides me with the opportunities to grow as an individual and gather the experience I need to flourish.”

We’re currently have 26 6-month Kickstart job placements available across our organisation with exciting, entry level roles available in IT, communications, tenancy support and trades.

Starters will join our supportive, experienced teams who will mentor them and encourage their learning on a day-to-day basis. They’ll also be given essential employability support by our in-house Employment and Training Team. Each Kickstarter will have a tailored action plan suitable to their own aims and ambitions, participate in webinars and online workshops and get involved in interview training and CV technique workshops.

If this sounds like it could be of interest for you or someone you know, please contact us at kickstart@vividhomes.co.uk for more information.