Georgia Bennett left university during the pandemic and was keen to start a career in education but wasn’t sure how to get the experience she needed. Without relevant experience she was finding it hard to get past the application and interview stage of jobs she applied for. Her local Job Centre Plus told her about the Government’s Kickstart Scheme and the opportunity for a placement at college.
She is now working with the Workskills team in Nottingham as a learning engagement administrator. She wrote about her experiences of Kickstart and explained how it is helping to launch her career.
Georgia’s Kickstart experience
“As a learning engagement administrator, I help adults who are unemployed, or struggling to find work, onto our courses which improve their functional and employability skills. I also aid my team in meetings, jobs fairs and in the office.
This opportunity has improved my employability skills and has led me onto the path I was hoping for. Not long after starting the job I was introduced to new people, different settings and I was stepping out of my comfort zone.
At first, I was guided into tasks and assisted in enrolling learners but now I can function alone and understand my responsibilities without needing prompt. Within my first month, I was out in the community, engaging in all kinds of different tasks and was undertaking duties that relied on me.
Increasing my skills
The role has helped me interact with learners and employers from different backgrounds and circumstances. I have increased my people skills, as well as my ability to function in a professional work environment. It has also improved my confidence to work alone and in a team. I have gained experience in real-life work, increasing my self-sufficiency.
I have also been offered plans for progression in my role, and beyond. This means I can constantly improve as well as receive guidance to help me get to where I want to be. It has also opened my eyes to working in adult education; something I was not sure about before.
Thinking about the future
Furthermore, I now have a good routine in place which is something I desired so I could have structure and purpose in my life. I have even been offered to train in teaching alongside my work which will help me get to where I want to be thanks to the funding of the scheme.
In short, I am enjoying my role with Workskills and learning so much whilst I am here. I hope to stay onto something more permanent with them and I cannot wait to see what else I can achieve and see during my time as a Kickstarter.”