ACR Journal

CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai acrjournal.uk 17 TRAINING BEYOND THERMAL ENGINEERING LORDAN • Unit 1 North Road, Penallta Industrial Estate, Hengoed, CF82 7SS • 01443 812222 • stuart@lordan-uk.com Design and manufacture Small to Large coils MADE IN BRITAIN ACR-SEP19-LORDAN.qxp_Layout 1 12/08/2019 16:18 Page 1 p21_acraprmay21.indd 1 24/03/ 2021 10:12 basic tasks. But all of the eight that joined us got the right support to help them work out where they wanted to go next. "Kickstart was always designed to be a short-term scheme as there was only a certain amount of funding. But it was really worthwhile for us. We really did feel like we were giving people some opportunities and experience.” Jefkins said J & E Hall were delighted to be able to offer full-time jobs to three of the Kickstart youngsters. Support system "By the very nature of the scheme none of the roles they originally went into became full-time roles. But of course, in any business things crop up and vacancies arise. "Three people particularly impressed us and had a great work ethic. When opportunities came up, we were really happy to talk to them because we thought they would be a great fit for the role and the company." Vanessa Tu, 24, is now working as a project administrator in J & E Hall's nuclear solutions division in Dartford while Robin Nixon, 24, an engineering graduate, is a junior engineer in the compressor research and development department there. Emily Stanley, 21, is a contracts administrator in process systems and marine solutions at Dartford. She said: "I lost my job in March 2020 when the theatre I was working in as an administrator had to shut because of the pandemic. After chatting to the Universal Credit co-ordinator, I found the Kickstart scheme. When I joined J & E Hall and was given the archives project to do, I knew I was going to enjoy getting stuck into it. I enjoyed being able to work independently while knowing there was a good support system." She is looking forward to developing her career with J & E Hall: "I think there is a good progression scheme here. I moved into the full-time role within two months of the Kickstart. When the company sees potential in you, they will push you forward." J & E Hall has a proud reputation for training young people and several of its apprentices have gone on to become leading figures in the refrigeration and HVAC sectors