Swindon resident Zac’s success story started when he joined GA Plant and Tool Hire Ltd through the Government scheme Kickstart, around 18 months ago.
During the pandemic, the scheme was set up and aimed to get young people aged between 18 and 23 back into work. To qualify for the scheme, young people had to have been unemployed for at least a year.
The Government would then pay the young individual minimum wage for up to 20 hours a week.
GA Plant owner, Angus Lacy-Hulbert, explained that the Government offered the business £1,000 to go towards Zac’s training needs as well as covering his weekly mimunum wage fee.
Angus said: “As an employer we were expected to support Zac for a minimum of six months but there was no obligation to offer full time employment beyond that period.”
Angus said that Zac’s own work ethic and determination are why he still remains on the books.
Angus explained: “Zac was a bit of a lost soul when came to us. He had no real qualifications or aims in life, and had been long-term unemployed.
“He started off washing machinery and helping to tidy up the yard. Quickly, he showed an interest in the workshop and started picking up a range of different skills. He was motivated and continued to learn and progress.
“It is so rewarding as an employer to see Zac thriving at what he does.”
Now 22, Zac has been with GA Plant for around two years, and is receiving more training so he has the opportunity to progress further within the company.
Zac said: “GA Plant has given me the support I needed to turn my life around.”
Angus added: “He has grown so much since he started here. I think young people that are struggling with employment are sometimes written off too quickly. Zac is great with the customers, has taken on new tasks, and it’s been great to see him really take the opportunity with Kickstart and run with it.
“He has told us that he has a new flat and a girlfriend too. Zac has really turned his life around.”
More information about GA Plant can be found at gaplant.co.uk
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