This week Amey, a provider of critical facilities, asset, and project management services, held an official launch event for its Headstart initiative, which is the UKs first contractor-led adaptation of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP)'s Kickstart programme.
Headstart supports young people aged 16 – 28 by providing them with training and employment opportunities. It forms part of Amey’s ongoing commitment to ESG, client and community collaboration and the Government’s Levelling Up Agenda.
The programme has been developed in conjunction with the DWP who were responsible for sourcing and putting forward suitable individuals for predefined roles within Amey. The chosen candidates will now take part in a six-month placement and will receive tailored on-the-job training, and learning and development opportunities, which will boost their long-term job prospects.
The launch event took place at St Paul’s High School which Amey maintains as part of its facilities management PFI contract for Glasgow City Council. Amey senior leaders were joined by representatives from the DWP, the Council, and Semperian Asset Management Limited. St Paul’s headteacher and deputy head also joined the launch to congratulate the new Headstart candidates on their placement, but also to recognise the success of the Kickstart participants who have now been placed in to full time employment or apprenticeships at Amey.
Stephanie Johnson, People Director for Amey, commented: “We were honoured to be joined by our new team members today, and to also hear from some of the individuals who completed the Kickstart programme and have now taken on full-time positions at Amey. These young people are vital for creating a sustainable business and will support our ongoing success as we continue to provide services to schools and other public estates across the UK.”
Elena Barrasso, DWP Senior National account manager for Amey said: “We are proud to continue supporting young people in their career journeys through initiatives such as the Headstart programme. Amey is a flagship contractor and the first to evolve the Kickstart programme - which made a significant impact to young people’s career prospects across the country. We are looking forward to seeing how these individuals develop throughout the year.”
Amey is now looking to roll the programme out across other regions of the UK.