Homebase has kickstarted new jobs for young people in Nottingham

As the first home and garden retailer taking part in the government’s Kickstart Scheme, Homebase will create 300 jobs across Britain for young people. The scheme will include three jobs in the Nottingham store, giving people aged 16-24 in the local area the chance to learn valuable new skills, gain real life work experience and build confidence so that they are prepared to take on the challenges and exciting prospects in the bright careers that lie ahead.

The home and garden expert is excited to welcome the new recruits joining its Nottingham Arnold store team.

One of Homebase Nottingham’s newest team members includes Saira Rehan-Rauf who chose the scheme to gain experience in providing great customer service.

She explains: “Before joining the scheme, I was unemployed for six months. I was studying part-time at college doing a business and marketing course while looking for a job that would both help my family financially and support my ambitions for the future. Then I found the Kickstart scheme which was perfect for me as I knew it would allow more support and training than a normal job.”

Before Kickstart, Saira applied to 25 jobs and, after being offered five positions, selected the scheme for the opportunity to challenge herself professionally with the support of the Homebase team.

As she aspires to work at the store following the end of the scheme - and start her own fashion business in the future - Kickstart offers her the experience to build her confidence and foundation for success.

The six-month scheme will include skill-based training throughout, providing each young person with the opportunity to gain valuable experience. From stock management processes, digital sales, customer relationship management and health and safety processes, to problem-solving, organisation and teamwork, these are just some of the skills that Homebase’s new team members can expect to learn and take with them into their future careers.

In partnership with The Prince’s Trust, a UK-wide youth charity with 45 years’ worth of experience specialising in youth employability support, Homebase’s new team members will receive support every step of the way, with access to the charity’s network of youth support workers, partners and mentors.

The Kickstart Scheme is also funded by Department of Work and Pensions to ensure every young person participating will be guaranteed National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage.

“I’m really proud of our involvement with the Kickstart Scheme – initiatives like this are close to my heart. I ended up having to live on my own at the age of 17, drop out of education and start paying bills, all while looking for a job,” says Neil Hill, Head of People & Leadership.

“I remember the rejection I felt during this time but that ended when I signed up to the Government’s Youth Training Scheme which led to a 20-year career with the company that offered me my placement.

“Had I not been given that opportunity, my story could have ended up very differently. I can’t help but think of those starting their career who have so much potential and ambition and I’m over the moon that we can now offer more young talent the chance to join our family.”

Homebase is proud to be involved in the Kickstart Scheme, providing young people at risk of unemployment with the opportunity to begin their career at a retailer with over 40 years of expertise.

Find out more at https://store.homebase.co.uk/search.