Introducing Hallie – Kickstart Scheme

by Halyna Soltys | 2nd Jun 2021

We would like to introduce you to our new Kickstart employee, Halyna (Hallie) Soltys.  

At ProMo-Cymru we support the development of skills for young people and help to grow new talent. Meet Hallie, who we’re employing as a Content Writer and Producer through the Kickstart scheme. The scheme is run by WCVA to support us and develop her skills in digital media and content creation.  

Image of Hallie new content writer and producer on the Kickstart scheme. Long brown hair, smiling face, rainbow striped jumper.

About Hallie

Hallie is a first-class Psychology graduate from Cardiff Metropolitan University with experience in digital media, marketing, and communications. During the beginning of the third and final year of Hallie’s bachelor’s degree, she completed a placement at ProMo-Cymru within the Multimedia and Communications team. After finishing the placement, Hallie continued to volunteer with ProMo-Cymru one day per week to create content primarily for TheSprout.  

Hallie was halfway through her third year of university when we first went into lockdown. During this time she moved back to Nottingham to be closer to her family. Despite this, Hallie continued to be in touch with ProMo-Cymru and offered support remotely towards numerous projects.  

Due to the pandemic, finding a graduate position was extremely difficult after graduating in June 2020 and competition was high. Hallie continued to volunteer part-time with ProMo-Cymru whilst searching for positions to gain further experience in the industry.  

A few months later, Hallie was onboarded as an employee of ProMo-Cymru as part of the Kickstart scheme. Hallie’s new role as a Content Writer and Producer means she is responsible for planning, creating, and publishing content across multiple projects at ProMo-Cymru. 

Quote from Hallie about her Kickstart role at ProMo-Cymru: I’m so happy to be part of such a supportive, fun, and inclusive working environment where I learn something new every day and I am encouraged to flourish

How has the kickstart scheme helped Hallie? 

Hallie’s role at ProMo-Cymru is supported by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA). WCVA are supporting voluntary organisations to access the UK Government Kickstart Scheme. It provides fully subsidised jobs for young people across the UK. As part of the Kickstart Scheme, employees will receive the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week. ProMo-Cymru will be increasing this wage to ensure it meets the Real Living Wage.  

Hallie says: “The Kickstart Scheme allowed me a wonderful opportunity to work and gain experience in a field that I love in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Working for ProMo-Cymru after my voluntary journey with them is a dream come true. I’m so happy to be part of such a supportive, fun, and inclusive working environment where I learn something new every day and I am encouraged to flourish”.  

If you’d like to check out some of the work that takes place at ProMo-Cymru check out our Projects pages