Pact Sets Out Support for Kickstart Scheme Alumni
Pact is today setting out a package of support for the alumni of the successful Pact/DiVA Kickstart Scheme which ran for two years from September 2020 to September 2022.
The Kickstart Scheme was part of the UK Government’s Plan For Jobs, announced by the then Chancellor Rishi Sunak in Summer 2020, and aimed to create six-month placements for young people aged 16 - 24 who were claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
Forty-two Pact member companies took part in the Scheme, taking on 101 trainees between them. Twenty-six trainees have been offered positions following the end of their six-month placement, with a further 13 continuing in further education or other employment.
Further support for alumni
Pact will continue its partnership with DiVA to offer further support for the alumni of the Scheme which will include:
- Quarterly industry masterclasses facilitated by industry professionals covering employability skills, networking, confidence-building, enhancing professional brands and more; and
- An alumni network on LinkedIn where industry news and jobs will be regularly promoted.
DLT Entertainment
CEO Donald Taffner Jr took on eight trainees across his production companies and talent agencies with the appeal of a mutually beneficial partnership where they could gain an extra pair of hands as well as fresh perspective in return for an opportunity to learn new skills, routines and processes.
Seven of the trainees had a rotation of working at the reception desk, and then worked for individual departments as junior assistants doing some general office work, research, and special projects as they came up. Donald made sure they did not spend their time making tea or photocopying, but instead gave them the opportunity to develop marketable skills. One of the trainees worked as a graphic artist working on presentations, image preparation, and with outside vendors on brochure and website design.
The benefits of the scheme to DLT were that there was no cost, funding for training and the actual training was provided and it gave them the ability to see the potential in new employees. Four of the trainees now have permanent positions within DLT.
Commenting on the Scheme, Donald said: “If it were not for Pact involvement, we would not have proceeded with the Kickstart scheme, never had the opportunity to work with DiVA which made the process work, never had the opportunity to give eight individuals a chance to work with us, and never have had three new full time and one part time hire show us their value. The Kickstarters brought a youthful view of the world to the company and exposed us to potential employees who may not normally have applied for a job.”
The experience of the trainees has also been positive with trainee Alina Craigen commenting: “I have learnt a huge amount about the industry and it has been really eye-opening. I feel far better equipped to progress than I would have been had I not worked here as I have been able to see how it is that projects get commissioned and developed. Everyone has been really supportive and encouraging and there’s a breadth of knowledge about various aspects of the TV world under one roof.
“I think that Kickstart has helped to combat a lot of the inherent nepotism that thrives within this industry. It gives contacts and insight to people that otherwise wouldn’t have it. And as someone who is in the final stage of getting an ADHD diagnosis, having a lot of the red-tape removed felt like a huge barrier being taken down as the application and interview process was really simple and uncomplicated.”
Novel Entertainment
Lucinda Whiteley, Creative Director at Novel Entertainment applied to take on two trainees to work as digital admin assistants and both trainees are now working full time as a content editor and as a staff writer and both have been involved in and instrumental in creating new projects for the company. Lucinda found that the trainees brought with them enthusiasm, laughter, a willingness to explore and learn new areas, the confidence to ask questions, a generosity of spirit to their colleagues and to each other, and a real love of children's TV.
Lucinda said: “We are always keen to welcome new talent to our industry, and this seemed like a fantastic opportunity to open our doors and invite them in! It has been proof that flexibility on both sides can lead to something magical; we didn't know who we were looking for, and our trainees didn't (necessarily) know what they were looking for, but we met in the middle and the rest, as they say, is brilliant kids TV!”
The trainees both welcomed the opportunity to get a foot in the door in the TV industry. Trainee Clare Lynch-Watson said: “The Kickstart Scheme has had a significant impact on my career as it has given me the opportunity to work in the TV sector despite being a recent graduate with no previous experience in this industry.”
And trainee Onyero Kihodu said: “The experience has proved to be endlessly fruitful for me. I was taken by its focus on developing newcomers into jobs within their field. The job itself also lured me. It looked like there was a lot to do and that it would aid my knowledge and growth. Within the scheme, I also had online sessions in which professional speakers would give talks. Overall, I think it has helped me gain clarity of where I would like to go in the future.”
Pact CEO John McVay said: “The Scheme has been a real success for both Pact member companies and the trainees that took part, and it’s great to see so many young people wanting to continue to work in TV and film. Going forward, I’m pleased that we – along with DiVA – are able to provide further training and support for the alumni to help them with their future careers.”
DiVA’s Founder and Director Arit Eminue said: “It was a pleasure to support Pact member companies in delivering the Kickstart Scheme. The scheme provided a lifeline to many young unemployed people from diverse communities struggling to kickstart their careers during a challenging period. Pact member companies provided substantial work placements that led to full-time jobs for many. We look forward to continuing to support the alumni as they build their careers in the TV industry.”