When we were recruiting staff for our new Testing Centre in Stoneyhill, we decided that we would like to give someone who was currently out of work the opportunity to come and work for us.   We thought that the Kickstart Initiative was great, as it offered a young person the chance to join our Team, for 6 months when we could offer work in a supportive team environment where they could learn new skills, build their confidence and gain some experience working as a member of a team.

Connor came into the Team not knowing anyone or anything about the job, he has taken this opportunity and has become a very important member of our Testing Team.  Connor is valued by everyone in the Team, he can carry out every aspect of the job with confidence and ease.   We hope that this opportunity will help Connor to take the skills and experience he has gained to help him now to move into a permanent job.

Connor says that “this experience has improved my confidence and I have enjoyed every minute of it”

Connor’s position has also been extended with the support of funding through Young Person’s Guarantee. This has allowed him to continue working with the team and continue supporting the local community through the Testing programme.