Opening the door to employment – Connor joins Oldham Athletic Community Trust’s Kickstart Programme
For many young individuals, gaining work opportunities and vital development experiences can be an arduous process, which has been even more prevalent within a post pandemic world. For Connor Jenkinson, this has been no exception as he too has struggled for job opportunities like many in his generation.
However, Connor’s fortunes have changed since he came across the opportunity to work as Media Assistant for Oldham Athletic Community Trust, an opportunity which Connor embraced with both hands.
For Connor, the wealth of Kickstart opportunities at Oldham came at a vital moment in his early professional career. Connor talked to us about his initial experience with Kickstart:
“I originally signed up for Kickstart as it was a great opportunity to transition into working within a role, in which I didn’t need a wealth of experience in. Similar to an apprenticeship, it was a foot in the door.”
Only new into his role, Connor has been exposed to different activities and tasks relevant to the role, such as creating and developing social media posts for the Trust, whilst also filming and editing footage for key football events associated with the Trust. Already, Connor feels like he has developed and acquired new skills. Connor mentioned:
“I have learnt new skills already in my first few weeks into this new role such as communicating with others and balancing various tasks depending on what is needed of me for the day, as well as building my confidence and customer service skills as I meet and speak to a lot of new people on a regular business outside of my comfort zone.”
“Kickstart has helped me as it has allowed me to get a head start into a new career path, I wouldn’t otherwise have many chances at starting without a degree etc, I receive a lot of guidance and support into what the new role entails and gain valuable experience.”
Callum Irving, Media and Communications Executive for Oldham Athletic Community Trust, had this to say:
“Connor’s had a great start in his role as Media assistant. His first few weeks have included filming and editing community-based sessions and a PL Primary stars football tournament. He has also started to plan social content for awareness days throughout the course of 2022.”
After settling into his role, Connor now has the experience and skills he had been searching for and is now excited to progress his own career through Oldham Athletic Community Trust.
Connor has joined 4 other individuals who have gained a Kickstart placement with Oldham Athletic Community Trust. With 5 Kickstarter’s, Oldham have also helped recruit a further 4 for the club and academy, in positions such as Analysis, Maintenance and Office Administration.
The Kickstart scheme is a programme which can help young people secure vital employment opportunities. To find out more about the Kickstart scheme and to get involved, click here.
