Member Article

Coventry company backs new government placements scheme

A leading training and education company in Coventry is set to create new placement opportunities for young people as it champions a new government scheme.

PET-Xi has applied to create 30 new roles within the business through the Government’s Kickstart scheme, which will create high-quality six-month work placements for those aged 16 to 24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

The positions will give young people the opportunity to develop their skills in new digital roles – a number of which are being created as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic after the company adapted to offer online learning support.

The company, which helps learners achieve their target grades to get back into employment or upskill, is set to offer e-enrolment officer placements as well as opportunities in sales support and social media.

Those on placement will also have the opportunity to complete a Level 3 NVQ in Advice and Guidance (IAG) which will provide them with the skills to give advice and guidance to others who are making decisions about future training, education or employment.

It is expected that the first 15 young people will begin six-month placements at the end of October, with the second 15 starting at the end of April next year.

PET-Xi hopes that more businesses will take advantage of the scheme and offer vital support to young people across the region.

Fleur Sexton DL, PET-Xi managing director, said: “The Kickstart scheme is a fantastic opportunity for both young people to gain employability skills and for businesses to show their support during what is an incredibly difficult time, particularly for those who are unemployed.

“The latest figures show that the UK unemployment rate has risen to its highest level for two years, with those aged 16 to 24 seeing the biggest drop in employment, so it’s clear that schemes like this are vitally important.

“Covid-19 has seen PET-Xi adapt to deliver online learning which means that enrolment can no longer take place face-to-face. This has enabled us to create new e-enrolment officer placement positions.

“We will also be offering a number of placements in sales support and social media to provide young people with a broad range of transferable skills.

“It is fantastic that we are able to create 30 opportunities to help change the lives of young people right across the region.

“We are extremely proud to not only be offering those on placement the opportunity to develop new skills in digital roles, but also provide them with a formal qualification which will further support them as they look to progress in their careers.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .