JobStart scheme opens door for young people
The JobStart scheme has helped open the door to employment for two young people who have now joined Ards and North Down Borough Council
The JobStart scheme, supported by the Department For Communities, helps young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment get into the job market by offering high quality job opportunities with a range of employers, for six months, in all sectors across Northern Ireland.
These are fantastic paid opportunities to gain experience within the Council.
We are delighted to welcome two new starts who have availed of this opportunity and have joined Ards and North Down Borough Council as a result.
Matthew McLawrence and Aaron Keenan have been giving feedback on the scheme and how they are settling into their new roles.
Matthew McLawrence, JobStart GIS Assistant,Town Hall Bangor
“My role as GIS assistant is to support the GIS officer and to expand my training in areas such as digitisation and maintaining/managing datasets.
To date, the role has been a breath of fresh air. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and willing to assist with my training, therefore making me comfortable when it comes to asking for help etc.
The role has intrigued me from the start. It utilises my strengths far more than previous jobs I have held and as a result I am thoroughly enjoying the working day.
Thanks to the JobStart scheme, I was able to come into a role from a completely base level to enhance my knowledge and expand my skillset in a new field. The scheme grants young people the opportunity to target roles that they would likely be disregarded for without. It is hugely beneficial for both employees and employers."
Aaron Keenan, JobStart Administration Assistant, Church Street Newtownards
“I started in the JobStart scheme as an Administrative Assistant at the start of June.
In my time so far, the role has been great as I am learning a lot about working in the Council and some of the processes involved in the different departments. My job environment has been very beneficial to myself as everyone is so friendly and welcoming.
I hope to learn a lot more over the next few months and the Council has given me a great opportunity to gain new skills and develop my own skills through the JobStart scheme.”
We wish both Matthew and Aaron every success in their new roles and hope that the experiences gained over the next few months will benefit them as they progress in their respective careers.