Witton Lodge Community Association has welcomed it’s first two recruits under the Kickstart Scheme – a Government funded initiative to create job placements for 16-24-year-olds.

Francesca Strothers and Daniel Crumpton have started with the Perry Common based organisation as Projects Officer and Projects Assistant respectively.

Under the scheme Witton Lodge has, in partnership with Clarion Housing, secured funding which subsidises pay for a 25 hour working week, at minimum wage.

Francesca and Daniel will spend the next six months supporting operations and service delivery with a particular focus on Health and Wellbeing and Employment & Skills.

Witton Lodge hopes to recruit a further three Kickstart candidates by the end of the year.

Employment manager, Michael Harrop, said: “We have created these opportunities for young people to help them to build their skills and confidence in the workplace.

“The time they spend supporting our team function will help them gain invaluable experience and improve their chances of finding long-term employment once their placement has ended.”

Francesca, 22, said: “It’s been a very interesting and challenging start and I’m really enjoying it. It’s a very busy organisation with lots going on and I’m very happy to be here. Everyone is very welcoming and supportive.”

To apply for a Kickstart role at Witton Lodge you need to be aged 16-24 and in receipt of Universal Credit.

For more details email: Michael.harrop@wittonlodge.org.uk

Francesca and Daniel flank Monitoring and Compliance Officer, Daljinder Lall.