Seven young recruits employed by the Gravesend-based Port of London Authority (PLA) under the government's Kickstart scheme will today meet employment minister Mims Davies in Westminster.

The youngsters - all aged between 16 and 24 - are the first to be hired under the scheme which is designed to give them experience in a real working environment.

Each are on six-month placements funded by the government scheme with hopes they will lead to a permanent position.

Among those taking part are Gravesend-raised Mary Ajanaku, 22; Isobel Burrowes, 23, a former pupil at Gravesend's Mayfield Grammar; Brandon Cripps, 19, from Hoo; Gemma Durkin, 24, from Gravesend; University of Kent graduate Sean Holdforth, 22, from Welling; Enrik Hoxha, 22, from Gravesend; and Tito Okanlami, 24, from Dartford.

Minister for employment, Mims Davies, said: “It’s fantastic to see the PLA backing this government’s Kickstart scheme – truly buoying the career prospects of our next generation of workers and helping them develop the key skills to thrive in work. There is real potential for progression into permanent roles after the six months, highlighting how our Plan for Jobs is delivering long-term opportunity, as we push to build back better and level up across the country.”

Jackie Doyle-Price MP, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Ports & Maritime Group, added: “A career in the maritime sector is varied and rewarding, reflected in the roles these young adults are undertaking with the PLA. Young people have been hit hardest by the economic fallout of the pandemic. This scheme provides that all-important first step on the career ladder.”

Robin Mortimer, chief executive of the PLA, said: “With the pandemic seriously affecting young people’s job prospects, we want to do our bit by helping them develop the skills and experience to secure full-time employment."

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