Northumbrian Water is backing young people at risk of long-term unemployment by offering 37 placements through the Government’s Kickstart Scheme.
The programme helps those who take part to get into the job market, by gaining six months of valuable work experience and a qualification.
The roles being offered by Northumbrian Water include positions in administration and information services, as well as operational posts.
While receiving training and equipment for the role, the “Kickstarters” will also leave with a Level 1 qualification in Occupational Studies and a Level 2 certificate in Customer Service at the end of the placement.
Support will also be offered through a buddying scheme that Northumbrian Water will be implementing, with existing employees offering support and guidance during their time with the company.
Placements are being offered through Jobcentre Plus.
Kay Penney, Human Resources Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “When the Kickstart Scheme was announced by the Government, we jumped at the opportunity to support young people to increase their employment prospects.
“So many of our workforce have come to us as young people, taking their first steps in the world of work, or returning to employment after enforced breaks, and they have become valuable employees playing important roles in our business.
“The jobs market is a very competitive place at the moment, whatever experience you have, but we know many young people are really finding it hard to get a break. We hope that the experience, learning and qualification they get from coming to us through the Kickstart Scheme will give them a valuable step up.”