Preston North End Community and Education Trust hosted a recruitment fair in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions last month, attracting more than 150 guests and over 30 employers.
The event saw employers present offering opportunities for those of all ages and backgrounds, including Kickstart opportunities for 18 to 24-year-olds claiming Universal Credit.
The Kickstart scheme is designed to support young people into future employment through six-month paid job placements in the industry.
Four young people were recently on the Kickstart scheme with PNECET, completing six-month job placement roles with the Trust as Community Sports Coaches last month.
Head of Education Liam Sealey said: “We were pleased to host last month’s recruitment fair alongside the Department for Work and Pensions and have so many employers present helping to support members of our local community into employment.
“PNECET was present at the event itself to discuss Kickstart opportunities with young people, having worked with four fantastic young people as Community Sports Coaches over the last six months, and we’re looking forward to recruiting more enthusiastic young people under the scheme in the coming months.
“We are confident that both the recruitment fair as a whole and our continued work on the Kickstart scheme will continue to help people to achieve their goals by progressing into paid employment.”
David Berry was among four Kickstart employees who recently completed six-month job placement roles with PNECET, and delivered a passionate speech about the scheme and his time working with the Trust ahead of the event.
David had studied sports coaching and development at college but was made redundant from his former employers due the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
While his role as a Community Sports Coach has now come to an end, David will make the next step of his journey with PNECET, after enrolling on the Trust’s Community Football Coaching and Development degree programme, offered in partnership with the EFL Trust and the University of South Wales.
🤝 More than 30 employers and 150 people have been at Deepdale today for our recruitment fair, alongside @DWP and @HeathcoteAndCo, to learn about job opportunities in the area.
— Preston North End Community and Education Trust (@pnecommunity) October 21, 2021
Our #Kickstart Coach David also delivered a talk about his experience working with #PNECET!#pnefc pic.twitter.com/zXzD8l4Z9y
He said: “It was amazing to be successful in getting the job after being out of work for so long, as it’s difficult for anyone to get back into the working environment.
“During my time with PNECET, I’ve completed a variety of qualifications to become a better coach. It has completely solidified my passion to want to pursue coaching.
“I want to become the best coach I can be and support everyone I possibly can.”
For more information about the Kickstart scheme, please email liamsealey@pne.com.