A kickstart to employment through Communities for Work+

The Kickstart Scheme by Communities for Work+ has helped a local young man secure his first full-time job.

James Sweet, 20 from Lampeter, was unemployed and had been claiming Universal Credit since March 2021. The effects of the pandemic meant that James was struggling to find employment since lockdown.

James was able to get support by Communities for Work+ to search for jobs and develop his CV skills before securing a Kickstart job as an Executive Assistant with an online company.

Misha Homayoun-Fekri, Mentor at Communities for Work+, said: “James got support during a difficult time (emerging from lockdowns) with us behind him sending him suitable jobs and having regular contact with his own job searches. Having a job would enable him to learn new skills and progress to where he wants to be eventually in his career. James attended a few job fairs. They were aimed at the Kickstart positions. Here James was able to personally meet employers and give them his CV.”

James Sweet added: “Getting the kickstart has given me a push and the drive to work. This in turn is keeping me happy. Communities for Work+ is definitely worth getting involved with for support to gain employment. It has also enriched my life and career.”

The Communities for Work+ programme, funded by Welsh Government, supports adults and young people between the ages of 16 and 24 by providing them with options to access a range of tailored personal support and work-related opportunities to meet their needs and aspirations.

Kickstart jobs are funded by Welsh Government to offer exciting opportunities for young people to gain valuable work experience.