A soon-to-be Kickstart graduate at Lea Fields Crematorium has now become a fully qualified Cremator Technician.
Josh Laidlow – who began working at Lea Fields Crematorium under the Kickstart initiative six months ago (11 October 2021) — also studied the FBCA (Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities) qualification as part of his placement.
The Kick-Start scheme, a Government funded initiative to help those aged 16-24 at risk of long-term unemployment, has seen placement opportunities come available at various departments across the Authority, including Trinity Arts Centre and Customer Services, as well as the Crematorium.
Reflecting on his overall experience and being awarded the qualification, Josh said:
“I’m really pleased. It’s hard work, but it paid off and I feel better about myself. I’ve got something to show for everything I have done. To have a lifelong achievement, essentially guaranteeing me an interview anywhere, is amazing.
“Everybody here could not have been more supportive. Any query that you have, you can ask them, they all have so much experience, they have advice for absolutely anything and they will always help out with anything. We all help each other, it’s the best team I’ve ever worked with.”
Josh was mentored by Tony Kirkham, Crematorium Officer at Lea Fields, who himself was awarded a Mentoring Skills Award certificate by the FBCA for the support provided to Josh Laidlow over the past six months.
Amanda Bouttell, Senior Project Officer for Employment & Skills helped facilitate the Kickstart Programme at West Lindsey District Council and said
“The scheme has offered young people a number of fabulous opportunities across the authority and across the District since it was first launched in September 2020. I have watched first-hand how they’ve grown professionally and personally as a result of the placement — none more so than Josh — who we are all extremely proud to say is now a fully qualified Cremator Technician.
“Our congratulations go to all our Kickstart graduates as they continue with their careers!”
To learn more about the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authority — visit their FBCA website.
For more information about please visit Lea Fields Crematorium’s website.