Suffolk Kickstart gateway recruits its own Kickstarter

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, part of the Suffolk Gateway Partnership – the county’s premier Kickstart organisation – has joined hundreds of local organisations in hiring its own Kickstarter.

Launched last summer, Kickstart is a £2 billion fund set up by the Government to create hundreds of thousands of high quality six-month work placements. It is aimed at those aged 16 to 24 who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long term unemployment.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce teamed up with Suffolk County Council, the county’s FE colleges, New Anglia LEP and the borough and district councils to form the Suffolk Gateway Partnership (SGP) to support local organisations wanting to apply to this landmark Government scheme.

Since then, over 640 placements have been approved through the SGP for funding, of which 127 have a young person in place, with dozens more in the pipeline.

Muhammod Miah started his placement with Suffolk Chamber in June, being based mainly in the business organisation’s Ipswich offices and actually working within the Kickstart team.

According to Muhammod: “As a Kickstarter, I have already experienced many benefits from the Scheme, and my employability has improved as a result. I have gained crucial work experience and knowledge, as well as an understanding of the work environment, which I would have otherwise never have received.

“I am immensely grateful to Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, as they have provided me with an opportunity to progress my career and develop myself both personally and professionally.”

Emma Alderton, Suffolk Chamber’s Kickstart coordinator and Muhammod’s supervisor, added: “Muhammod has already been a great asset to the team since starting with us. The Kickstart Scheme has been so well-received by businesses of all sizes across the county and his support with administering our role as a gateway has been invaluable.

“Not only has he been ensuring all of our records are up to date and that we have all the required paperwork completed, he has also been handling enquiries from businesses who want to know more information about Kickstart.”

Businesses wishing to apply for Kickstart placements via Suffolk Chamber should email Emma Alderton: emma@suffolkchamber.co.uk