AN ANDOVER-BASED firm has benefitted from the government’s Kickstart scheme.

Kereru Media has successfully won an award and filled their role of deputy manager thanks to the funding opportunity, which offers employers the chance to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit.

Dane Balchin has started his role in the social media agency this week.

Dane said: "I was happy to get a job finally. Looking for another job during lockdown was stressful. I had to take a job I didn't want to do in retail because back then, people needed it."

The kick start scheme gives young adults from 16-25 a chance to work in a career based role for six months.

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Cat Randle, managing director at Kereru Media, said that was worried the company wouldn't fill the position.

She added: "Elaine from Andover Jobcentre went the extra mile to help our company. Employing a new staff member during Covid was difficult, and I had to compete with many companies who posted positions for design and social media skills.

“Brexit and the skill shortage has changed job prospects in Andover.”

The scheme has also allowed Kereru Media to set up an office in IncuHive Andover.

"I am so pleased to be in an incubation space,” said Cat.

“We hear about these offices in Silicon Valley, but it's great creative industries have a hub here in Andover.”

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