West of England housing association Curo has been shortlisted for an award for their recent successes at helping young people into work through the Government's Kickstart initiative.

Curo is a finalist in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Exceptional Partnership Awards. The awards recognise employers who demonstrate great collaboration with the DWP, with effective engagement and positive outcomes for young people.

Kickstart provides new jobs for young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment. Curo's Work Wise team leads on the Kickstart programme at Curo.

Service Manager Ciara Aylett said:

"We're really proud to be shortlisted for this award. The DWP told us that we achieved one of the largest numbers of applicants across Kickstart, and some of the highest levels of satisfaction from candidates and DWP job coaches.

"They also told us that our placements were among the best across the region in terms of quality and the positive impact for job seekers.

"Even those candidates who weren't accepted onto Curo placements found the quality of advice and support they received helped them with employment prospects elsewhere.

"Thanks to all the Curo teams who assisted Work Wise with making Kickstart such a success and providing so many great opportunities for young people across the region."

Curo is now looking forward to further partnership working with the DWP on their new 'Way To Work' recruitment programme.