Ongo awarded for getting young people into work

Ongo has won an award for getting young people into work, as part of the government’s Kickstart initiative.

Kickstart provides funding to employers to create six month long placements for people between 16 and 24 years old and currently receiving Universal Credit. The government funded each placement, paying them national minimum wage for 25 hours a week.

The project has now come to an end, with Ongo creating 92 jobs within businesses in total. Of these, 75% have sustained employment or moved into further support or education.

North Lincolnshire currently has the one of the lowest unemployment rates for young people which is attributed partly to the joint working with Ongo and the Department of Working Pensions on this project.

The award was presented by Jo Corney, DWP Service Leader for the region, with special commendation from Therese Coffey, MP Secretary of State.

Recognition was given for Ongo’s style of delivering the project, which has since been replicated in other areas.

Maryanne Fitzgerald, Engagement and Enterprise Manager at Ongo said: “We are thrilled with this award. It’s a reflection on the hard work of my fantastic colleagues and the clients who have made the most of their opportunities.

“Of course we’d like to say another huge thanks to the local businesses who offered placements. Working together on projects like this, we really make a huge difference to local people and the economy too.

“This project has come to an end, but we still have loads of employment and training support, so please just get in touch with us if you’d like to find out more.”

Just some of the local businesses Ongo worked with on the project to create jobs include The Black Door bar, Tolsa, Corrboard, Hall Farm, Two Sisters Food Group, Oakley Fabrications, QK Honeycomb Products Ltd and IAC Group.

Karol Kurpiewski who benefitted from a Kickstart Placement commented: “The support from my Ongo mentors has helped me so much. I feel like a new person, I cannot thank everyone enough for this great chance in life.”

Ryan Middleton, another Kickstart client said: “Going into Kickstart was one of the best choices I ever made. I really enjoyed the courses that came with it and I am now in a full time position.

“Being on kickstart also helped me massively with my confidence and team working skills.”

Brad Trott also commented: “I really enjoyed the experience, it completely changed what career path I want to go down and opened my eyes to what I’m actually capable of. I absolutely loved it.”

Ongo has a team who specialise in getting people into work or training, along with proving extra support for those not ready for the labour market or in need of mental health support.

To find out more about Ongo and the support they offer, follow them on social media or head to their website: www.ongo.co.uk.