EMPLOYABILITY, training and careers guidance services provider The Opportunity Centre, is to give 30 young people a chance to start their journey back into employment through the government's Kickstart scheme.

The job creation scheme helps 16-25 year olds on universal credit secure a six-month paid work experience placement, in order to build skills and increase their employability prospects for their future career.

As well as creating jobs, The Opportunity Centre will be providing wrap around employability support for all those on the Kickstart scheme. This will include action plans, relevant & industry recognised training, as well as CV building workshops. Before their six-month programme is complete, those on the scheme will also be supported to find a more permanent role – either as a progression within The Opportunity Centre, or elsewhere with local employers.

The Opportunity centre will offer roles across all aspects of its business, including the organisations social enterprise café The Canteen and Event space.

Bradford joins ‘kickstart’ scheme to get young people back into work

Joe Grant, Catering and Hospitality Manager said: "Our organisation is committed to changing lives for the better through learning and work. Supporting the Kickstart scheme just seemed like a fantastic opportunity to continue our work to help bridge the gap between unemployment in sectors that are in desperate need for skilled workers.

"I have recently taken on a new Café assistant in The Canteen as part of the scheme. Damian was a former learner at The Opportunity Centre. He studied on our aspire2work study programme and gained an NVQ level 2 in Professional Catering and Hospitality as well as other supporting qualifications.

"After Damian left us, he continued his journey at Bradford College studying and passing his Level 3. Upon completion he achieved his goals and found employment, but unfortunately, due to the pandemic, was made redundant. I’m glad we are able to provide him with another opportunity.

"Whilst Damian is with us, we are going to work with him to help build his experience and confidence and help him get back into the industry he loves and wants to make a mark in. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team and I'm sure he will be a fantastic role model for our current catering learners.”

Damian, who is now one month into his placement said: "When I was made redundant, I found myself back to square one but thankfully I saw the kickstart job at the Opportunity centre, a place that had been a crucial part of my development. I’m happy to be back on my feet and back in employment.”