Jordan's blog

Jordan Odame is working at The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury and joined the team through the Kickstart Scheme. Read on to find out more about his unusual journey into work in the cultural sector.

By Jordan Odame

Jordan is wearing a Roses Theatre waistcoat and smiling at a reception desk in the foyer of the theatre.

Jordan stands proudly ready to greet people arriving at The Roses Theatre.

Hello, my name is Jordan,  I’m 25 years old and I live in Cheltenham. I was on the kickstart programme from May 2021 until August 2022. 

When I first heard about the kickstart programme in April 2021, I thought it would be a great experience for me to get involved in. I got a phone call from the DWP and said I would love to join!!  I was really excited!

I had to say to yes to this opportunity. It was right after I had left  my Waitrose Christmas temp job in January 2021. I had 7 interviews and was unsuccessful in 5 applications, but during my time on the kickstart programme, I was successful in 2 jobs.

Jordan stands in front of the box office in the theatre.

Jordan stands in front of the reception desk at The Roses Theatre. Photo Credit @Louise Bardgett

The first one came with NHS working as a medical receptionist at Rosebank health doctors’ surgery in Gloucester from September 2021 till October 2021 as I felt, the job didn’t suit me.  In the end they all wished me well.  I also learnt it’s really important to keep going until the very end and you will eventually find something that can suit you.

Onwards and upwards

Then my next adventure came in February 2022,  when I joined the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury. I did quite a lot of front of house work, which was supervising the building and working behind the bar during live shows and sometimes doing admin work. Also, I am proud of some things I managed to achieve like fire extinguisher safety and first aid training.   I’ve had a wonderful experience there and met some wonderful colleagues, who I’ve had the opportunity to share remarkable experiences with.  

Getting involved with the Stitchathon

There is a very long tapestry in the background and lots of people are looking at it. The photo is taken from behind so you can see the backs of everyone looking at it.

Stitch Story Launch event Credit @The Roses Theatre

In May, when I was still on the programme, I did a podcast on the radio with BBC with a journalist called Jo Durrant, talking about a stitchathon project I took part in, which was organised by a colleague of mine called Megan and a few other ladies involved. The enormous tapestry was going around Tewkesbury and the public were encouraged to add a stitch including children, which transformed into a picture of landmarks and things that represent Tewkesbury. (See the final piece below!).

A permanent role at The Roses!

My kickstart placement came to an end in August and I got offered a permanent job, as a venue assistant. I’m doing 10 hours a week and I am always eager to learn different things.  

I think the kickstart programme can help you achieve anything if you set your mind to it because you can end up with loads of experience behind you.

The words 'Stitch Story' are embroidered in large colourful, capital letters on a purple background.

Stitch Story Logo Credit @Tewkesbury Culture

Find out more about the The Roses Theatre by visiting their website. And if you’d like to get involved with Tewkesbury Culture community group who came together to work on Stitch Story visit their Facebook page.

You can also find out more about the kickstart scheme and what the other kickstarters got involved by reading our Kickstart round up here.

Create Talent, Creative StepsCaroline FedashKickstart blog, kickstart, Talent development