Britvic fills 30 roles in youth unemployment scheme
This included roles across finance, IT and research and development – as well as various placements at its Leeds and Rugby factories – that were created for 16–24-year-olds who were claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
Launched by HM Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions last year, the Kickstart scheme was designed to invest in the potential of young people who have faced difficulties because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Training and life skills
Young people on the scheme are provided on the job training over the course of the six-month placement, as well as tailored sessions to hone their CV writing and interview skills and digital training to learn more about the industry.
Kickstart co-ordinator Ebony Thompson said: “We currently have 30 Kickstarters working in a range of roles across Britvic’s sites. It’s great to see the progress they are making, and the value they are adding to their teams. I am delighted that Britvic is providing some of the building blocks to help young people gain the skills they need to go on to successful careers.”
Mark Pawsey MP, member of Parliament for Rugby, described the scheme as a key part of the Government’s plan to ‘build back better’ from the pandemic by providing opportunities for young people to get on the job training and develop the skills they will need in the world of work.
‘A chance for young people’
“I am delighted to hear that Britvic are embracing the Kickstart scheme and providing the chance for young people in Rugby, such as Eleanor, to get some valuable experience in a modern workplace” he added. “It also builds on the £27mn investment Britvic have already made in their Rugby factory.”
Last month, Britvic announced it had invested £27m in a new canning line at its Rugby factory and created at least 20 new jobs.
New jobs created as a result of the investment would be predominantly in engineering and manufacturing, with scope to support apprentices in some of these new roles.
Meanwhile, PepsiCo is recruiting for more than 100 new roles at its Leicester Walkers Crisps factory, as it continues to meet demand for its branded crisps.
Kickstart case study: Eleanor Lee
Eleanor Lee, 23, began her sixth-month placement as a Document Controller working at Britvic’s Rugby factory in July.
Ellie’s role includes maintenance of core systems and databases through to updating the training matrix.
“I'm learning a lot working with the Quality Department team at the Rugby site,” said Lee. “I'm gaining more confidence in my abilities and have incredibly supportive colleagues who are there to help me when I’m doing something new.”
