A new government scheme has helped 22 year old Damian Dempsey find work after being unemployed for 6 months.

Damian left his previous role in the dental field at the start of the pandemic because members of his family were shielding.

Through Kickstart he has now joined us as an Adviceline and Digital Advisor.

He said: “I’d signed onto Universal Credit and was continuously looking out for jobs through job search apps, mostly without luck. My Universal Credit coach then told me about the new Kickstart Scheme and so would send me a list of jobs through on a weekly basis.”

Kickstart provides funding to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds who are on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Damian adds: “I came across the CACW job vacancy and was particularly interested in the fact that the required job skills were similar to those I’d developed previously during my time as a dental assistant, and the role itself being client-focused was also similar to that in healthcare.

I’d be able to continue working without posing any risk to my family because the job role is home based, which suited my situation well.”

The scheme is an opportunity for young people to gain experience of working in some of Britain’s most exciting organisations.

Damian said of his time in the role so far: “ The training is extensive – learning about CACW as an independent charity, developing the correct skills to empower clients whilst gathering sufficient evidence and information to support their needs.

It’s a really nice team though and I’ve been made to feel so welcomed. I’m fully supported by my line manager Nick, who I feedback to each day, and am looking forward to getting accustomed to handling calls alongside Ian in the coming weeks.”

Team Leader Supervisor Nick Gill has been impressed with the progress that Damian has made.

He said: “He’s doing really well. He’s completed all of his training and has just started advising on the phone. He’s integrating well into the team and is always one of the first on with a cheery ‘good morning’ on the group chat.”

Damian, who’s hobbies include the gym and music production, is hoping that his 6 month placement with us will help to increase his confidence.

“I’d advise those looking at the Kickstart Scheme to try and find something that they feel they’d be suited to, and that they’d enjoy doing and would gain beneficial skills from. Skills learnt through work don’t only apply to the job role but will benefit you throughout your entire working career and life.”

To find out more about Kickstart speak to your Universal Credit coach.