STAFFCHAIN is a specialist Driving and Warehouse Recruitment Agency assisting with all Temporary, Permanent and Ad-hoc staffing requirements for the Driving and Industrial sectors. We caught up with Aaron Dixon to discuss the Kickstart Scheme – we discussed the support with the programme, provided by Hull City Council, and how it has benefited him and his company.
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Designed to provide young people with work experience that improves their future employability and cultivating the skills needed to secure future employment.
What made you choose Hull City Council?
Being based in Craven Park Training & Enterprise Centre, which is ran by Hull City Council, and since the time I moved in, I have benefitted greatly from by support given and inside knowledge of schemes that Hull City Council drive and provide. They keep me informed of everything that is happening within the borough and assist with the growth of my company. Everything is always straight forward and if I ever need assistance, they are always contactable and happy to assist. So, it was a no-brainer to go through the council as it was recommended to me and I know the support I would receive would be invaluable.
How did you find out about the Kickstart programme?
I reached out to the staff within the centre and expressed a need for additional staff. I wasn’t sure of where to turn and what would be the next best move for the company. Mike (BDO of Managed Workspace Team) organised a business support meeting with Allan Rookyard, manager of the MWC to go over options. We discussed the kickstart programme and I was told of all the benefits this could bring to my company. This included the provision of opportunities for people who may be unemployed and need some support getting back on their feet post COVID.
Why do you feel the Kickstart Programme is best suited to your company?
Staffchain has seen encouraging results in the last few months, we managed to see growth during these unprecedented times. We are a family run company that holds the care and advancement of people at the core of what we do. Small enough to care, but big enough to give quality support and provide placements to participants who may need picking up and given some direction. I couldn’t think of a better program to suit our needs. The process from start to finish, the expertise in candidate selection…it is playing a big role in the companies next steps to development.
How will it benefit those who are successful in being chosen and what would they hope to achieve?
I believe Staffchain can provide essential transferable skills and knowledge, which they could go on to use in any industry making them more employable. We at Staffchain hope to train, teach, and encourage our staff so that by the end of their placement they will be competent enough to be retained by Staffchain on a permanent basis, should they wish. That this is our aim and end goal here.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I was previously living in London, but planned to relocate to Hull. Whilst in London I was working within recruitment, I have always enjoyed working within the industry. I take pleasure out of helping people find work and it provided an honest means of living. When I eventually relocated to Hull, my family encouraged me to start my own recruitment business and we have pushed on from there.
Can you give an outline of the services you provide?
We provide employment to the unemployed and to people who might be seeking a change of job.
We generally work with customers within the Driving, Industrial and Warehouse industries.
We contact companies within various industries who might be seeking staff on a permanent or temporary basis, and then we contact hopeful applicants who might be suited for the roles.
Hull businesses are being urged to get involved in the new £2 billion scheme which will create job placements for young people.
City council officials are encouraging employers to be part of the Government-funded Kickstart scheme, which will provide high-quality work placements to young people at risk of long-term unemployment.
The scheme, part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs, sees young people placed with employers for a minimum six months to help them develop skills and experience to find work.
Businesses participating will receive up to £1,500 to cover training and other costs. Hull City Council is also offering to provide wages and costs up front for participating businesses so payments made in arrears do not affect cash flow.
Employers interested in taking placements should email company details, numbers of placements and, if possible, proposed job outlines to [email protected], or call 01482 613347, 613117, 612611 or 613478 to speak with a member of the team.