The marketing industry is full of opportunities, and at MAG we want to share them when we can. That’s why we took initiative in supporting the UK Government’s Kickstart Scheme. The Scheme makes up part of the Government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ skills and employment programmes, offering six-month jobs for young people aged 16 to 24 years old who are currently claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. The government has extended it for another three months, noting the importance and the wealth of opportunity it can provide to young people and businesses/employers alike.

I myself joined MAG on the Kickstart Scheme, and for me, it’s been incredible. Like many others, I was made redundant due to circumstances the pandemic placed many businesses in. And whilst I was job-hunting, I was on Universal Credit. I feel like there’s been a bit of a generalisation when people hear you’re a young person on Universal Credit- but before I was made redundant, I had a stable job straight out of university- and everyone has different circumstances. All that to say, the Kickstart Scheme was much needed.

I found out about a kickstart position going at MAG that fit the skills I already had, but also presented me with opportunity to learn and grow in an industry I most likely wouldn’t have qualified for otherwise. I’m happy to say my position has been made permanent, and I’m very grateful to MAG & the scheme.

In addition, Marketing is such a versatile industry, and therefore it’s in a perfect position to help young adults learn new skills, hone already existing skills, and opening the door to opportunities that otherwise may not have been present. It’s the perfect industry for the Kickstart scheme because the employees can go in so many different directions afterwards.

I also asked a fellow Kickstarter at MAG what they thought of the Scheme, and the opportunities it offers.

Reece, Media Planner, said, “Starting at MAG has presented me with new opportunities and exceptional training I wouldn’t have qualified for outside of the Kickstarter Scheme. I’ve been able to expand my horizons thanks to the team and gain quality knowledge in different fields of marketing- and I’m only half way through! This scheme is really useful for people needing some assistance finding work post-pandemic and/or finding a new career, and MAG have been great at making me feel part of the team.”