20/09/2021

“It’s really good to work in a team where everyone is a valued employee.”

Law graduate Ijeoma is laying down the foundations for a brilliant career after joining Twin’s Kickstart programme. The 23-year-old graduated last year at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although she found some agency work, she needed something more permanent – and that’s where Twin was able to help.

The Government-funded Kickstart programme provides new jobs for young people aged 16 to 24 who are receiving universal credit. Ijeoma found out about the scheme from her local Jobcentre Plus and joined Twin’s Chatham office in April, working as a trainee employment consultant.

Ijeoma manages a caseload of candidates from Jobcentre Plus and partner Shaw Trust, helping them boost their employability skills. “I try to upskill people and put them on courses,” says Ijeoma. “On a day-to-day level, I’m communicating with them and carrying out administrative work.”

Ijeoma believes her role is “100 per cent linked” to a career in law because it’s not solely about employability; there are also issues such as compliance and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) to consider. She is enjoying her work and relishes the fresh challenge.

“I really like it,” she says. “I think I’ve picked up a lot of transferable skills, such as time management and how to manage a caseload. I’m meeting lots of different people and working to a deadline, which is good for me because it’s a new experience. It’s different to university, it’s the real world, and it’s great to be able to use my skills. I am quite meticulous about things, and so it suits my personality.”

As a Kickstarter with Twin, Ijeoma received a personalised learning plan and is given wraparound support helping her to continue to develop her skills. She is grateful for the guidance she has been receiving from her manager Inga Cook.

 “Inga is really experienced in this field, so working alongside her, I’m learning so much; she’s a very supportive manager,” says Ijeoma. “It’s really good to work in a team where everyone is a valued employee. I feel like I am valued too. If I ever feel shy to suggest something, there is always a time and place for my opinion to be heard.”

Meanwhile, Inga couldn’t be more pleased with Ijeoma’s progress, describing her as a “fabulous example of a brilliant Kickstarter”.