ECCH helps ‘kick-start’ local young people’s careers

ECCH helps ‘kick-start’ local young people’s careers

Eight young people from the local area are celebrating after successfully completing a government-funded work placement scheme with East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH).

The Kickstart scheme, which launched in autumn 2020, was designed for 16–24 year olds in receipt of Universal Credit, matching them to paid work experience placements with local employers so they can gain skills, boost confidence and gain the tools needed to enter employment. 

Having joined the scheme last November, ECCH’s teams have supported trainees through a six-month programme, with half of the cohort taking on clinical roles as Rehabilitation Support Workers, and others gaining experience in non-clinical placements within HR, Administration and IT.

All young people who undertook a clinical placement have obtained a Care Certificate which can be used to help them find work in the healthcare sector, whilst those in non-clinical roles have completed a range of training courses to support future employment.

Kickstart Trainee Quality Administrator Daisy Antoniou said “Working at ECCH through the Kickstart programme has been extremely beneficial. Everyone has been very helpful in making sure I get the most out of my time here. I feel a lot more confident now navigating professional workspaces and working independently.”

ECCH’s Organisational Development and Training Manager, Cheryl Jarvis said “We’re thrilled to have been able to support these young people in their training and offer them opportunities to learn more about the roles that are available within the NHS. They’ve been really enthusiastic to learn and have been highly regarded by their respective teams. We hope the programme has given them the tools and insight they need to embark on rewarding careers.”

Two trainees who started the programme later are still working with us – one in a clinical role and the other in the domestics team.