Quickstart Bridgend already benefiting residents and businesses

Quickstart Bridgend already benefiting lots of businesses and residents throughout the county borough

The new Quickstart Bridgend initiative is already helping lots of local businesses and residents following its launch by Bridgend County Borough Council earlier this year.  

The scheme supports those seeking employment with paid work placements hosted by employers from across the county borough. 

The new venture is based on the former Kickstart Scheme which provided funding to employers to create jobs for 16- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit.  However, Quickstart Bridgend is open to job seekers above the age of 16 years.

Challoch Energy are one the one of the businesses who have already taken advantage of this scheme, their Managing Director Simon Minett said: “The whole process is very straightforward and that allowed us to find an excellent candidate in Jessie Edwards for the role of Project Assistant.

“I would thoroughly recommend QuickStart to other employers in Bridgend County Borough and the scheme aligns well with our philosophy of fair recruitment.”

Jessie added: “I was surprised at how quick and easy the onboarding process was. Everyone I work with at Challoch are amazing and I’ve settled in really well. I was looking for a while for a job opportunity, so when this came about, I jumped on It.”

Another success story of the scheme so far is The Bridge Mentoring Plus Team who have taken on Krisztina Vida as a Café Assistant. A representative from The Bridge said: “Krisztina has made a positive impact to our team in recent weeks. We have had some great feedback from staff and service users.”

Anyone interested in applying for a Quickstart Bridgend role should contact the Employability Bridgend team.  Employers can register their interest in the scheme by visiting the council’s website, where more information about the eligibility criteria is also available.

Councillor Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said: “Helping residents to reach their potential whilst creating high quality job opportunities is a key part of our corporate plan and it’s really pleasing that this scheme not only aligns to our priorities but also to those of businesses from across the county borough.

“It’s clear that this innovative scheme is already making a strong impact and it’s not too late for even more employers to register an interest.”

Quickstart Bridgend has received £900,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  The scheme is being run in partnership with DWP and Whitehead Ross.