See how Bridie made the most of her West Midlands Kickstart Journey with WHG…
What were you doing before you undertook your Kickstart placement?
Prior to my Kickstart placement, I worked in a Funeral Directors through to late 2020 when I was unfortunately made redundant and therefore went on to look for other work. I had always been interested in working in housing and WHG: I feel that Kickstart was a brilliant opportunity for me to gain experience working within this reputable company.
What did your Kickstart placement involve?
Within the Neighbourhood Services department I have had experience working in a varied admin role as well as being able to regularly go out on site and interact with customers face to face. It involves monitoring WHG properties across different areas of the West Midlands and making sure that problems such as fly tipping, pest issues, anti-social behaviour etc are kept to a minimum and helping the tenant in whatever way we can to remain happy and satisfied.
What did you enjoy about the Kickstart placement?
I really enjoy being able to go and interact with customers face to face, I have had the opportunity to get to know and help people from all areas across the West Midlands. I have also had the opportunity to shadow other areas of the company if desired, which is extremely beneficial as you get to gain knowledge from all areas across the business which helps you to have more understanding of housing and WHG as a whole.
What are you doing following your Kickstart placement?
I would very much like to remain an employee of WHG and where possible, apply for a position within the company if the opportunity arises. It has really enhanced my interest in housing and if I possible I would love to remain working in this industry.
Has your life changed since doing the Kickstart placement?
I feel as though I have become more comfortable with taking initiative and being more confident in myself and my ideas. From the responses I have had from customers I have realised that I really enjoy working with the general public and it has made me feel more comfortable being out in the community and interacting with people from all backgrounds.
What would you tell someone thinking about taking part in Kickstart?
I would say grab the opportunity with both hands as chances like this don’t come around often and it can allow you a pathway into a company/ industry that you are passionate about and will give you real life skills/ help develop your work ethic majorly. It is beneficial for both the employer and the employee as it allows both to thrive and offers a new, exciting opportunity to both that wasn’t available before.
