The pandemic has had a wide-ranging impact on the jobs market.
Lots of young people leaving colleges and universities are struggling to find work. Especially one that makes good use of their qualifications. Many end up having to rely on Universal Credit to support them whilst trying to find employment. This included Nidal, aged 25 from Wigan, who has a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science.
After struggling to find any sort of suitable role, the government funded Kickstart scheme was exactly what Nidal needed. It not only provided him with paid employment, but also a chance to take his first step on the career ladder and gain valuable workplace experience. He grabbed this opportunity with both hands, gaining new skills and knowledge, a new found confidence and a strong CV. This enabled him to secure the type of permanent job role he wanted, as an Environmental Monitoring Technician.
After completing his degree, Nidal relocated from Reading to the North West to be nearer to his family. Struggling to find a job that would make use of his degree, he relied on casual work to begin with.
Nidal eventually managed to get a job in the environmental industry but his first experience of the world of work was a real eye opener. He quickly found that he was expected to work nearly double the amount of hours he was being paid for. He was also asked to carry out some tasks for which he hadn’t received any training. After quickly becoming disillusioned, he reluctantly decided to hand in his notice.
Nidal spent many months feeling frustrated and demotivated by the lack of suitable job opportunities available. He was beginning to wonder if he would ever make use of his degree.
When the Job Centre told him about the Kickstart scheme, it was a turning point for Nidal. He applied for the role of Conservation Trainee with Groundwork and after an interview, was offered the job.
Nidal worked as part of Groundwork’s environmental team. The team was responsible for conserving and maintaining large green spaces and nature reserves across the Borough of Wigan. It was a varied and very ‘hands on’ role, which involved everything from planting trees, to building dams and footpaths, which Nidal loved. He quickly established himself as a trusted and valued member of the team.
Hard work pays off
As Kickstart roles involve working 25 hours per week, Nidal had every Friday day off. He used this time to carry out some volunteering and to look for a permanent role in his chosen field. His hard work paid off and he secured a permanent role as a Water Quality Technician before he’d completed his 6 month Kickstart placement. His new job now takes him across the North West, working for an environmental consultancy that has offices all over the UK.
More on:
Posted On: 04/02/2022