A kickstart to employment success in Carlisle
A Carlisle woman and a local family-run financial planning firm have achieved joint success with the Government’s Kickstart Scheme – in which Cumbria Chamber of Commerce acts as a gateway.
Chelsea McMillan joined Stan Sherlock Associates in March on a Kirkstart placement working in the firm’s Business Support team. This was Chelsea’s first job at the age of 20, having previously stayed at home to care for her two young children. Chelsea has combined motherhood with working 25 hours per week, earning the National Minimum Wage, and pension contributions. She received one to one support throughout her placement from employability experts, Inspira.
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.
Stan Sherlock Associates were so impressed by Chelsea’s work ethic and enthusiasm that they have now offered her the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship with the firm. From September, Chelsea will work in an administration role while studying for her level 2 apprenticeship as a Customer Service Practitioner. She will attend Carlisle College one day a week and complete the rest of her course on the job at Stan Sherlock Associates.
Speaking about what the opportunity has meant to her, Chelsea said: “I love working for Stan Sherlock Associates. It’s a lovely environment and I’ve been made so welcome by my colleagues who have really supported me as I’ve adjusted to juggling work and being a mum. I’m really looking forward to starting my apprenticeship to further develop my skills and progress my career here.”
Martin Norris, Business Development Manager at Carlisle College said: “Chelsea has demonstrated resilience and commitment in what has been her first real job during the Kickstart placement with Stan Sherlock Associates. Completing an apprenticeship will now give her a structured training programme to develop her skills and embed her learning within the business. She’ll add real value to her employer while gaining a qualification.”
Stan Sherlock Associates has a strong reputation for developing its team and recognising the importance of investing in its people. Emma Sherlock, Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are delighted by Chelsea’s attitude on her Kickstart placement. She has proven to be hard working, a quick learner and committed to supporting her colleagues. We know she’ll work hard to complete her apprenticeship successfully and we look forward to helping her progress her career and qualifications.”
If you’re interested in taking on a Kickstarter, please get in touch with Cumbria Chamber’s Business Growth Manager and Kickstart Coordinator, Eve Halliday at eve@cumbriachamber.co.uk.
