A BARROW graduate says a work experience scheme working with young people helped her kickstart her career.

Rachel Kipling, who works for Hello Future as a graduate intern, believes getting involved with National Citizen Service as a team leader assisted her to get the role.

The 21-year-old from Barrow took part in the NCS herself as a school leaver in 2012. Miss Kipling then returned to NCS in 2017 as a team leader, having graduated that summer from the University of Manchester with a degree in drama.

She said: “I always wanted to go into acting, but I realised how much I loved working with people. Being given the opportunity to come back and work on NCS I realised how much I loved working with young people. When I was in Year 11 I wanted to become an actor or become famous, but after NCS I quickly realised I wanted a more selfless career and be able to give back to others in my local community.”

As a team leader Miss Kipling was responsible for ensuring her team of young people on NCS were supported and took part in all the opportunities available. From getting involved in ghyll scrambling and jetty jumping in week one, to helping the team create a life changing social action project in the local community in week three.

“NCS is just amazing and it really changed me. There is a reason I keep on coming back and want to be involved in the programme. I really want every 15-17 year old to take part,” she said.

This year, Inspira, which manages and delivers NCS across Cumbria and Lancashire, is looking for an additional eight team leaders to join the Barrow team for three weeks over the summer.

Suited to graduates, the opportunity can be regarded as paid work experience to enhance people's CV.

Jack Todd, NCS area coordinator in Barrow, said: “NCS team leaders are such an important piece of this jigsaw. We’re defiantly looking for enthusiastic, confident and well-rounded individuals who are looking for a new challenge and that want to make a difference to young people in the local community.”

Teams leaders need to be aged at least 21 and must enjoy working with young people and are prepared to be pushed out of their own comfort zones.

"For me, I got to earn money and I got residential experience working with young people which looks great on my CV. It certainly helped me get my role with Hello Future," Miss Kipling said.

Team leaders spend two continuous weeks away (excluding weekends) on residential with all transport, accommodation, food and equipment provided. The first week is spent at an outdoor activity centre, where the young people will be pushed out of comfort zones and trying new activities. During week two, the focus is on independent living and learning new skills at the University of Cumbria, followed by a community week in Barrow.

Potential team leaders are encouraged to contact Inspira, finding details through the Inspira website.