Job hopes for young people in Greater Manchester

The number of job vacancies topped one million for the first time ever last month.

Figures show employees on company payrolls has also increased by 182,000 between June and July.

But the Office for National Statistics says the total's still more than 200,000 down on pre-pandemic levels.

'I was on Universal Credit after losing my job due to the pandemic'

Aaronn Coogan, 25, from Salford, was on Universal Credit earlier this year after losing his job at Asda because of the pandemic.

Now, after a placement working at landlord ForHousing through the government’s Kickstart Scheme, he has secured a permanent role with the landlord as a Health and Safety Administrator.

Twenty-five year old Aaronn, is one of 17 young people in Salford that started new six-month job placements in June with ForHousing, thanks to the government’s Kickstart Scheme.

The Kickstart scheme creates new job placements for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.

This comes at a time when research shows 43% of young people feel the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their long-term career prospects.

After applying for numerous roles unsuccessfully, despite having relevant experience and a degree, Aaronn applied straight away when his work coach at the job centre told him about Kickstart.

Aaronn’s Kickstart placement was in ForHousing’s Income Maximisation Team. He said: “Every job you go for wants you to have experience, but it can be really hard to get it. The Kickstart programme helps break that cycle and helps you get the foot in the door at an organisation.

“Before I started the Kickstart placement, I was on Universal Credit after losing my job due to the pandemic. I have been working since I was 16 so have lots of experience of working in hospitality and customer service, but still struggled to find work and it was a really tough time.

“The placement was brilliant. I was contributing to the team from the get-go which was really good.”

Aaronn, whose new role involves administration and attending fire safety risk assessment inspections, is now starting a new Institute of Occupational Safety and Health qualification to help him develop his skills.

He added: “In my experience Kickstart has helped me find a job more quickly than anything else could have. It helps people to get relevant experience in roles that can lead to careers not just endless shift work with no advancement.

“Now I am over the moon to have a permanent role as Health and Safety Administrator. I have a career that I can develop now and the support to do that.

“I’m feeling tons more positive about the future now. I have the stability and security to plan my future and my girlfriend and I are saving up to buy our own place.

“There is no downside to being enrolled in the Kickstart programme, I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Debbie Attwood, Group Director of People at ForHousing, said: “It’s great to hear how the Kickstart scheme has made more things possible for people like Aaronn and we are delighted to have him join us as a permanent member of staff.

“The Kickstart scheme is just one of many ways we are supporting young people to gain new skills and experience at ForHousing. Our Brighter Futures scheme offers a range of employment, education and training opportunities and support for business start-ups.”