The ‘Kickstart’ scheme has proved to be successful for recent recruit Chris Pickford, who has secured a place on a National Teach First scheme after his spell as a classroom assistant at Rotherham United Community Sports Trust (RUCST).
Chris was one of the five new members of staff recruited by RUCST in March due to funding grants from the Government’s Kickstart scheme and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This scheme provides funding for RUCST which enables them to provide 25 hours of work to promising individuals for a total of 6 months; therefore giving local young people a chance to ‘kickstart’ their careers. This scheme is in partnership with the English Football League Trust and Job Centre Plus.
After a short but successful time in the Education department at RUCST, Chris will be going on to teach full-time in a secondary school as soon as September 2021.
When asked about his experience on the Kickstart scheme at RUCST, Chris said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time working as a classroom assistant at RUCST. I found it energising to work with people who shared the same values as me and who were so committed to giving real-life chances to young people.
From day one, I was made to feel like a full member of the team and learned so much from my manager, James, from my colleagues, and from the young people I worked with. As well as developing my confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills, working with the team has given me a better idea of the career path I would like to follow.
During my placement, with James’s support, I applied to the national Teach First scheme and am now in training to start teaching in a secondary school in September 2021. I am very grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with and learn from, such an incredible team and I was sorry to leave.”
James Mahoney, Head of Education commented:
“I am delighted for Chris that he has been able to secure a full-time teaching role to start in September. Although we are disappointed to lose Chris, this is a fantastic opportunity for him to grasp with both hands. Chris joined us with very little experience in teaching, however, his skill set and work ethic will allow him to be successful as a secondary school teacher. He has been brilliant in the short time he has been with us.”
Following on from the initiative’s success, we are now advertising for a new Classroom Assistant to join the Trust’s diverse and hard-working team for the new academic year.
For more information, please contact community@rotherhamunited.net or 01709827767.