Injesh Khadka is the latest recruit to join the team at Brent Cross West station – a 21-year-old from Barnet, whose role includes helping other young people into jobs and apprenticeships across the project.

He was recruited by partners VolkerFitzpatrick through the Kickstart Scheme, after he met the company’s workplace manager, Calvin Howe, at the job centre.

Injesh had been looking for work since leaving university last year, and admits that negotiating the job market during the COVID pandemic had taken its toll on his mental health. But he is already relishing his position as a community liaison advisor, which was a role he had never considered before, but which appealed to him from the moment he learnt of it.

He said: “I wasn’t just looking for a job, I wanted a career which would help me to improve the lives of other people and the world around me.

“Like a lot of students looking for work, I found that employers wanted candidates who already had experience, but the only way to get experience was by getting a job. It’s a Catch-22.

“This role with VolkerFitzpatrick was an opportunity to work for an employer that wants to invest in people, and when a lot of people are struggling because of the pandemic that’s doubly important.”

The role involves working with Barnet Council, along with schools, other education providers, and charities within the area, to help build strong relationships and increase VolkerFitzpatrick’s social impact in the borough. Injesh will also help organise pre-employment sessions to help job applicants access job and apprenticeship opportunities.

Injesh added: “When I found out about this role it immediately felt right for me, and just learning about it gave me a big lift. The role, although challenging, seemed like something that would help make a big difference to people’s lives, and if there are challenges to overcome then that means I am achieving something.

“It’s a role with social responsibility, not just for myself but for other people. If I do a good job, it won’t just be for myself but for everyone else.”

Injesh is one of several young people recruited by VolkerFitzpatrick through the Kickstart Scheme which helps employers create hundreds of thousands of high-quality work placements.

These positions are for people aged 18-24, and are on an initial six-month contract, with bespoke training and a personalised career action plan.

You can find out more about careers across the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration programme, from Kickstart jobs to apprenticeships, and to our partnership with Women Into Construction, on our dedicated opportunities page here.