Set up in Liverpool 12 months ago, I am Moore helps young people into employment via the Government’s Kickstart scheme has now secured its 200th full-time placing. Tony McDonough reports

A business set up 12 months ago to help young people start their careers has placed its 200th young person into full-time employment.

Based in Liverpool, I Am Moore works to get people aged 16-24 into a range of exciting roles – with roles in sectors including construction, healthcare and marketing. It was founded in response to the launch of the Government’s Kickstart scheme.

Now coming to an end, Kickstart was unveiled by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in 2020.  It offers fully-funded six-month jobs placements for young people aged 18 to 24 who are in receipt of Universal Credit. It offers either Minimum or National Living Wage. Each placement guarantees at least 25 hours a week.

As well as securing roles for 200 young people from across the country, I Am Moore is advertising for social media, marketing, construction, nursery assistants and  administrator roles, as well as a number of other opportunities. However, applicants only have only until March 1 to sign up to the Kickstart scheme.

Lynn Lock, chief executive at I Am Moore, said: “To change the life of just one young person has been heart-warming, but to see more than 200 now in full-time work thanks to the work of I Am Moore is beyond belief.

“It is testament to our dedicated team of vacancy coordinators that we have been able to work so closely with so many inspiring and talented workers and long may it continue.

“I Am Moore, along with the many renowned and well-established businesses that work with us, has helped unearth the future generation of talent in our city and with more vacancies to fill, there is still time to either climb the ladder yourself, or give a young person a once in a lifetime opportunity of full-time work.”

Caitlin Yeung, 24, is currently a marketing assistant at Liverpool-based firm, Jayne Moore Media, after securing the role through IAM. I Am Moore was set up by Jayne Moore, founder of Jayne Moore Media.

“Before my role at Jayne Moore Media, I had graduated from university at the height of the pandemic, and I really struggled to find work like so many others,” said Caitlin. “After eight months of unemployment I was put in touch with I Am Moore, and after just two short weeks I was in my dream job in an industry that I was interested in.

“Since then, I completed my six months Kickstart position, and was offered and accepted a full-time permanent role with the company. It really was the gateway to my career, and changed my life for the better.”