Kickstart stories
The Kickstart scheme ran until July 2022. Kickstart placements are no longer available. Youth Hub Devon may be able to help you with other opportunities.
Kate’s Kickstart speech
Name: Kate
Kickstart with: Devon County Council Economy, Enterprise and Skills
Kate’s speech:
Hi all, my name is Kate, and this is my first public speaking event. I came about this Kickstart trainee position via a meet and greet here, in the Youth Hub Centre last year.
Before I started, I never really thought about the difference 6 months could make.
Working with Keir for the past 5 months as a project assistant has been most rewarding, learning many new skills, growing confidence & finding out about Devon County Council. I’ve learnt so much about Funding, the economy, different government departments, and about Devon as a whole.
- My first ever teams meeting I was a stuttering mess. Now I’ve chaired a meeting confidently.
- I’ve made 91 Grantfinder Articles in 5 months for the Devon Funding News Website
- and I’ve organised this event with the help of Keir, Debbie & Anne.
I feel I’m proud and have achieved so much more than I thought I would.
Keir has been a fantastic manager, helping me grow confidence on teams meetings, and helping me with my employment skills for my future. I am so grateful for the help of the Economy team and how much the colleagues have supported me.
6 of the Kickstarters, here with us today, were lucky enough to take part in a 10-week course, teaching us research & presenting skills, learning about Devon County Council, communication skills were built, and areas of interview skills were visited to help us for our future. Our tutor Gary taught us a lot and we are all thankful!
I have received a guaranteed job at the end of my placement as a Highways Service Assistant. All thanks to this placement with Kickstart, I’m so glad I chose to work with Devon County Council, as I can see my career path growing within this company.
I really can’t believe how much difference 6 months can make.