A GOVERNMENT funding scheme has benefitted a local business and young people.

The £2bn Kickstart scheme provides employers with the financial capability to employ and train up young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are claiming universal credit.

Power Wash UK, a Bury-based residential cleaning service, has capitalised on the initiative, which has allowed them to take on Lauren Fallows and Alfie Liston, both 21, for an initial six-months, and they plan to employ both on a permanent basis once the placement ends.

Miss Fallows, a former Fred Longworth High School student assumed the role of an Administration and Marketing Assistant. She said: “I’ve gained so many new skills on my placement, I’ve become so much more confident, and have become better at communicating, especially on the phone. The placement has been so beneficial.”

Mr Liston is a Pressure Cleaning Operative with Power Wash UK, and the former Phillips High School student was similarly thankful for the opportunity. “It’s great to have such supportive bosses. This has 100% been the right move for me,” he said.

Not only have the pair both found employment, but have enjoyed professional development opportunities, successfully completing a number of training programmes and online courses which will stand them in good stead for their future careers.

Pam Plumb, joint owner of Power Wash UK, said, “We are not a big national company, we are a small, family run local business. The Kickstart Scheme has been a fantastic opportunity for us as a company to make our expansion plan ideas a reality with the support of a government initiative.

“I contacted Bury College in early 2020 and the Industry Placements team were very informative and supportive in both our concerns and growth plans, and we gained the confidence to sign up for two new kickstart employees.

“The recruitment was well informed and organised. We have been able to give two bright young adults employment whilst also ensuring they have training and development not only relevant to their job role with us but that can be transferable should they move in the future. The progress in both individuals so far is extremely positive.”