Celebrating our Kickstart trainees

Our Kickstart trainees have all been great additions to our team. Not only are they helping us to better meet the pandemic-related increase in demand for our advice services, they’ve also brought new energy and local knowledge.

Since May 2021 we’ve appointed five Kickstart trainees and we have recently applied for a further two places. Two of our trainees have gone on to paid positions with us after their 6 month placements and another two are currently employed as trainee Adviceline assessors.

Suzan Malakh, a Kickstart trainee who moved on to an advice role in our Foodbank Project, says:

“As someone who recently graduated, job hunting during the pandemic had left me feeling hopeless. I read about the Kickstart scheme online and decided to contact my work coach. Working as a Kickstart trainee at Citizens Advice Wandsworth was great, the volunteers and staff were so supportive and welcoming, and I learnt so many new skills.  

I’m delighted that I’ve now been given the opportunity to progress into a trainee adviser role at CAW. I have joined the Foodbank advice team and give advice to Foodbank guests.

Overall, I am very thankful to get the opportunity to work for an organisation that supports and puts the local community at the forefront”.