As part of Willmott Dixon’s commitment to supporting young people into careers within the construction industry, we joined the government-backed Kickstart Scheme in 2021, which aims to create new jobs for 16-24 year olds at risk of unemployment.
The Kickstart Scheme provides 6-month placements for young people providing an insight into the industry and the wide variety of jobs that are on offer. In 2022, 9 people joined Willmott Dixon Interiors through the Kickstart Scheme across the business in London, Leeds and in the Midlands.
Joshua Bell, Kickstarter at Wolves Civic Halls, Wolverhampton
Joshua Bell, joined us in February 2022 as a Project Administrator and is currently working on our Wolves Civic Hall site in Wolverhampton. Joshua was new to construction, but was interested by the different roles and opportunities that the industry could offer.
“I think what interests me most about the industry is the many different avenues and opportunities that construction can offer me. I am also interested in the many different job roles that I can work towards and that no two days are the same. As someone who has entered the industry with no previous knowledge, I am intrigued to learn about the many components which help make a project successful and, in the process, potentially find an area that most interests me.”
Through Joshua’s placement he has been able to experience a number of different roles and gain valuable insight, developing his skills both as a person and as an employee. The placement has also allowed him to build up more confidence and meet new people within the workplace.
“I have started developing key skills since joining Willmott Dixon Interiors. I have learned how vital communication can be in this industry, and have developed my communication skills week by week. Another fundamental skill I have developed is team working. Working with and as part of a team in construction is crucial to the success of a project and since joining the team, it has helped me work with people better and more effectively. My experience so far with Willmott Dixon Interiors has definitely helped me both understand and recognise the many different roles available to me in this industry and will continue to learn and hopefully I will find a particular area I would like to pursue the most.”
Elliot Woodhead, part of the Kickstart scheme and based at Leeds Bus Station.
Elliot joined our team at Leeds Bus Station in January 2022. His placement has allowed him to build up his knowledge of the construction industry and through the work he has been doing, he has developed a keen interest in learning about the design stage of the projects that we do.
The Kickstart Programme has provided him with an opportunity to meet new people, develop new skills and build up a new understanding of the roles and responsibilities available which has helped start to shape his future.
“Through my placement at Willmott Dixon Interiors, I have been able to develop my organisational and administrative skills which is something I wanted to pursue. I’m surrounded by good, hardworking people that motivate me to be like them some day.”
Matthew Jarvis, Kickstarter at EMD Cinema
Matt has been working as a Kickstarter on our EMD Cinema project in Walthamstow as an Assistant Project Administrator. Throughout the scheme so far, he has developed new skills, learnt more about the construction industry and the journey of a project.
“I have started developing many different skills now as I have settled into the job role. These skills include working in a large team, using different software connected to Willmott Dixon like Msite, MI projects etc. also having the responsibility of invoice approval and handling the orders for the site’s needs. Willmott Dixon Interiors has helped me with my career as I have learnt how to work in a team of many people with different roles which is very significant in any type of job.”
Matt has enjoyed being a part of a team, learning new skills and seeing what it is like to work in the construction industry.
We want to thank all the people who have joined us at Willmott Dixon Interiors through the Kickstart Scheme. Their hard work and enthusiasm inspires us to share our knowledge and passion with the younger generation helping them to succeed in good sustainable careers.
As part of our 2030 sustainability strategy, Now or Never we are committed to supporting 500,000 people with their careers, which includes providing programmes of activity to at least 100,000 people, supporting at least 1,000 people into sustainable careers and recruiting at least 100 people facing barriers into careers at Willmott Dixon.
Find out more about our Now Or Never strategy here.
For more information on how to apply to this scheme, head to the Department for Work and Pensions job board.