Who are Jasmine and Jess?
Jasmine and Jess are our Kickstart trainees for Pets Corner. They’ve been working with us since March 2022, and taken on a leading role in motivating and supporting volunteers with their day-to-day tasks.
At Urban Green Newcastle we made a number of roles available through the Kickstart programme. They all have the aim of bringing young people into the organisation to learn more about what we do as a charity. We also help them to develop their own skills in an area they are interested in and gain valuable experience of the industry. After their placement we hope they are ready to decide if it’s an area they would like to work in long-term.
What do they do in Pets Corner?
In Pets Corner, we got Jasmine and Jess involved in all aspects of animal care under the assistance of staff. Our team trained them in the role of a keeper and how to care for the animals and maintain the farm. They have also been instrumental in helping to train and manage our Pets Corner volunteers to ensure they can take an active role in the development of the farm.
Their role in Pets Corner gives them the opportunity to them to learn about all of the other elements of work required to run a public visitor attraction. We got them involved in planning engagement events and activities, carrying out conservation works, designing enclosures which are enriching for the animals, and enhancing the visitor experience.
As well as the specific skills required to manage the site and care for the animals, our Kickstart positions also allow our trainees to learn a wealth of transferable skills. These include use of IT systems and programmes, communication skills with colleagues and the general public, the importance and benefits of networking, and how to manage internal processes and policies.
We want to say a big thank you to Jasmine and Jess for all their hard work over the past few months. They’ve been fantastic additions to the team and a vital part of the effort to bring engagement events and activities to Pets Corner over the busy Spring/Summer period.
About Kickstart
Kickstart is part of the UK government’s Plan for Jobs. Through the scheme employers can receive funding to create new six-month job placements for young people.
The scheme is aimed at 16 to 24-year-olds currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. Employers provide them with a six-month paid placement for a minimum 25 hours a week, with the aim of giving them the skills and experience they need to find future employment.
For further information visit the Kickstart Scheme website.