Kickstart Scheme Success!

Kickstart is a government scheme designed to integrate young people into the workplace, to develop their skills, knowledge and experience for their future careers. Working at Heras in the UK, Leon and Luke share their experiences on their placements through the Kickstart Scheme.


 

Leon Alcock, IT Helpdesk Technician

Leon Alcock - Kickstart Scheme Heras UK

What is your role at Heras?

I am an IT Helpdesk Technician. I work in the IT department as part of a team of three that is responsible for supporting the business with IT support.

What are your daily tasks?

I support users with any IT queries and daily operations. This ranges from day to day as there are a variety of queries that come into the helpdesk. I ensure all new starters are set up and receive their equipment ready for their first day starting at Heras.

What makes your work great?

I really enjoy my job, I want to work in this field for my career. I feel that I am competent in this role and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise. I also love working within the team.

Are there any projects or tasks that you have worked on that you are proud of?

I love solving issues, it gives me a sense of achievement. Many of my colleagues need my support and I can solve their issues. I’m able to support the business with my expertise to allow everyone to carry on with their work.

What’s your favourite part about working at Heras?

My favourite part is the role and job content, it’s always what I have wanted to do.

How has the Kickstart Scheme helped in your career?

It has given me more experience in my chosen field. I have learnt a lot during my time at Heras especially the support side of IT rather than Database which is what I have done before.

What are your next steps?

I would like to carry on working within IT so I think I will look for a role within IT support. I might consider going back into database but I do enjoy support.


 

Luke Cousins, Finance Assistant

Luke Cousins Kickstart Scheme Heras UK

What is your role at Heras?

I am a Finance Assistant. I work in the Finance department as part of the team providing financial support to the rest of the business.

What are your daily tasks?

I support the finance team in any tasks they need help on. My main tasks are processing invoices, expenses, queries and working on process improvements.

What makes your work great?

I really like the challenge, I like to be busy and love to solve issues which is why I enjoy the process improvement.

Are there any projects or tasks that you have worked on that you are proud of?

We had a supplier who had 800 invoices to process and it was a very manual process. Therefore, I created an automated system where it did it automatically and it was very successful. I try to find ways to improve the processes so that it is quicker for the team when using our systems.

What’s your favourite part about working at Heras?

The freedom and trust my manager has in me. I like to take ownership of tasks.

How has the Kick Start scheme helped in your career?

It has given me great experience for my career and CV.

What are your next steps?

I think I would like to gain more skills and perhaps go back to university or complete the Accountancy qualification.


Would you like to be our new colleague?

If you would like to join Leon and Luke as part of the Heras UK team please click here to read more.