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BUSINESS NEWS | JUNE / JULY / AUGUST 2021
Kickstart Scheme
Kickstart Scheme employability essentials The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality 6-month work placements for young people aged 16-24, who are claiming Universal Credit. Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is working alongside the British Chambers of Commerce and is a recognised gateway in coordinating business responses. Businesses of all sizes looking to create quality jobs for young people can apply to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme. Hampshire Chamber has been an approved gateway for the Kickstart Scheme and has so far created over 750 job opportunities.
Funding Government funding is available for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support, and training.
Training An important part of the grant application is evidencing the training and support you will provide. This includes: ¾ Support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals ¾ Support with CV and interview preparations ¾ Supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork ¾ Any uniform or equipment that the candidate will need ¾ Time given by an employee to train the candidate Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is tasked by the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) to make sure the training is completed for CV and cover letter writing and also interview techniques. To support employers who are not able to offer these as in-house training,
HAMP SHIRE CHA M B ER OF C O M M ERC E
Kickstart Scheme training courses have been created, specifically to support with your Kickstart Scheme grant application compulsory declaration and evidence that "you provide employability support to young people". All of the training we offer has been designed around the candidates that will be on the Kickstart Scheme, and we’re keen to help them to develop and move forward with their careers either with you or somewhere else at the end of their placements. We will be delivering the training through several of our local member businesses, Progress to Success, Skills for Business Training and Mission Performance. All these trainers will be giving their own unique take on the employability essentials training courses, whilst giving attendees the necessary skills needed to succeed. Whether you are looking for a career in IT, carpentry, digital marketing or looking to become the next Prime Minister, the skills required are universal and will set those on the scheme on their way to achieving their dream role.
