WESSEX Water’s first cohort of Kickstarters have joined the company in placement positions across the business and have been benefitting from the experience.

The government’s Kickstart scheme is targeted at young people at risk of long-term unemployment and aims to help them gain the experience and skills they need to launch their careers.

The company has committed to the scheme by creating 45 six-month work placements. It has been three months since Wessex Water took on its first recruits and there are more positions to fill.

Abbey Stevens is on a laboratory service assistant placement with the company. She said: “I think the past year or so has been quite difficult for most people on the job front, with companies closing down or having to make cuts to their budgets has left a lot of people feeling quite uneasy.

“I hope to secure full-time permanent employment within the company with opportunities to develop and progress.”