Nub News has taken on its first Kickstart employee after linking up with the Department of Work and Pensions, and the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

Fraser Clements, a 21-year-old much traveled poet and songwriter, has joined on a six-month placement as part of the Kickstart scheme paid for by the government, following a successful interview process, with Nub News' regional editor Derek Davis.

As a prospective screenwriter with a keen interest in media, Fraser sees Kickstart with Nub News an ideal opportunity to expand his skill base and gain experience within the news industry.

"I'm already learning so much, so quickly," said Fraser. "It is about getting the basics right, but also getting out there communicating with people within the community.

"It is exciting and I feel fortunate to get such an opportunity to be able to do this with Hadleigh Nub News."

The government's Kickstart scheme, working in conjunction with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, is already proving a boon for Suffolk businesses with more than 640 placements secured, 127 have a young person in place, with dozens more in the pipeline.

Fraser met with fellow Kickstart employee Muhammod Miah who is working with the Chamber's administrator Emma Alderton, whose workload has increased as the scheme became more popular, and DWP work coach Donna Baldly, who has helped set up the interviews for candidates.

Paul Simon, head of policy and communications at Suffolk Chamber, said: "It was great to meet Fraser and to hear from him at first-hand as to how the Kickstart Scheme has given his career a real boost at this early stage. Speaking with Derek also showed how the Scheme is helping great local businesses to identify talented young people who may well go on to become the backbone of their operations in the future.

"The Suffolk Gateway Partnership, of which Suffolk Chamber is part, has worked well with our partners, including the DWP and is delighted to have already secured over 640 placements for young people in the county. Between now and when the Kickstart Scheme is scheduled to finish – 31 December – we hope to create many more similar opportunities for the next generation of Suffolk employees."

Karl Hancock, Nub News founder and chief executive, said: "This is an excellent scheme designed to get young people working d involved in the community. It totally fits in with the Nub News ethos and we are delighted to have Fraser on board.

"I'm sure he is going to thrive with Nub News in Suffolk and will be pathfinder for many more Kickstarts with our organisation as we grow exponentially."

Although Fraser will be working across all our Suffolk titles eventually, he will initially be focusing on Hadleigh so if you have any stories you want to talk to him about get in touch via email [email protected].

Launched last summer, Kickstart is a £2 billion fund set up by the Government to create hundreds of thousands of high quality six-month work placements. It is aimed at those aged 16 to 24 who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long term unemployment.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce teamed up with Suffolk County Council, the county's FE colleges, New Anglia LEP and the borough and district councils to form the Suffolk Gateway Partnership (SGP) to support local organisations wanting to apply to this landmark Government scheme.

Muhammod started his placement with Suffolk Chamber in June, being based mainly in the business organisation's Ipswich offices and actually working within the Kickstart team.

According to Muhammod: "As a Kickstarter, I have already experienced many benefits from the Scheme, and my employability has improved as a result. I have gained crucial work experience and knowledge, as well as an understanding of the work environment, which I would have otherwise never have received.

"I am immensely grateful to Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, as they have provided me with an opportunity to progress my career and develop myself both personally and professionally."

Emma Alderton, Suffolk Chamber's Kickstart coordinator and Muhammod's supervisor, added: "Muhammod has already been a great asset to the team since starting with us. The Kickstart Scheme has been so well-received by businesses of all sizes across the county and his support with administering our role as a gateway has been invaluable.

"Not only has he been ensuring all of our records are up to date and that we have all the required paperwork completed, he has also been handling enquiries from businesses who want to know more information about Kickstart."

Businesses wishing to apply for Kickstart placements via Suffolk Chamber should email Emma Alderton: [email protected]