Kickstarter Stories from ILG

ILG is proud to support the Kickstart Scheme, as it provides opportunities for young adults (aged 16-24) who are at risk of long-term unemployment, to gain quality work experience and build skills for future employment, for a 6-month period.

Since the scheme opened we have employed 28 young people and offered permanent or fixed-term contract roles to 13 individuals.

Watch a short video about the success of the Kickstart Scheme at ILG:

“This scheme is a fantastic way of building a young person’s career and the government provides funding for employers to create jobs, which covers training and their 25-hour working week. How could we not invest!” Kelly Kennard, Learning & Development Manager at ILG

Our Kickstarters

Here’s what four of our Kickstarters have to say about working at ILG:

Bakeerthana

Joined as a Trainee HR Assistant in April 2021 and is now employed permanently as HR & Payroll Administrator.

What have you learned at ILG through the Kickstart Scheme?

“I have definitely learnt a lot though the Kickstart Scheme at ILG. Before working here I did not have any prior knowledge of HR or the duties that fall under it. But now I can say I am familiar with the tasks that I do and I am still learning more.”

How would you describe the training you have received?

“I have received great training. Before I am given any new task or duties, someone from the team always goes through them in detail with me, adapting their teaching style to fit with what works best with me. And they have made me feel comfortable to ask any questions. Even if they may be busy, they always make time to help me out whenever needed.”

Joshua

Joined as a Trainee Warehouse Assistant in April 2021 and is now employed permanently as a Warehouse Assistant.

What does your job involve?

“My job involves using a handheld PDA to pick and scan products from shelves and place them into a trolley, which items I scan are determined by the PDA. Once I have finished picking the products, I then hand them over to my co-workers who pack and ship the orders.”

What have you leaned at ILG through the Kickstart Scheme?

“During my time at ILG I have gained an understanding of many aspects of warehouse fulfilment, such as how to accurately pick orders and how to operate the equipment used. I have also learned about health and safety standards within ILG, such as how to properly lift and handle heavy loads.”

How would you describe the environment and culture?

“The work environment at ILG is very friendly and welcoming. Everyone that I worked with was extremely helpful and approachable and there is a lot of diversity among the people that work here.”

Megan

Joined as a Trainee Warehouse Assistant in May 2021 and is now employed permanently as a Warehouse Assistant.

How would you describe the training you have received?

“As someone who is a visual and practical learner, I’ve really enjoyed my training at ILG. When I am being trained on something new, I’m not only shown or told how to do it step-by-step, but I’m also then given the opportunity to try on my own. Once I get the hang of it, I then have the responsibility of doing it without supervision, free to ask questions whenever I get stuck. This way of learning really works for me.”

What would you advice someone considering applying through the Kickstart Scheme?

“Don’t be afraid to go for a role outside of your comfort zone or skillset. Applying through the Kickstart Scheme will equip you with everything you need and you will definitely be in good hands at ILG. If you are considering applying, just go for it. I was also a bit apprehensive at first especially because I haven’t worked in a role like this before, but I am so glad that I applied and extremely grateful for the opportunity.”

Where do you hope your ILG journey will take you next?

“Now that I am officially a Warehouse Assistant, my focus right now is on continuing to develop and expand my skills and knowledge within this role. However, I am definitely open to exploring other roles within the company sometime in the future and I am also hoping to receive Mental Health First Aider training at some point.”

Izsyk

Joined as a Trainee Warehouse Assistant in April 2021 and is now employed permanently as a Warehouse Assistant.

How would you describe the environment and culture?

“I quite enjoy the environment and atmosphere, ILG is a warm and welcoming place to work, with loads of enthusiastic and positive employees who strive to help you work your way up in the warehouse industry.”

What would you advise someone considering applying through the Kickstart Scheme?

“Stay focused, work hard, don’t be shy. Everyone is friendly here, you will be welcomed with open arms.”

Read about when Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP, met ILG Kickstarters here >

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