Business: Kickstart

Can you change a young person’s life and offer them a six-month work placement, fully paid for by the Government’s Kickstart scheme?

The UK-wide Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality six-month job placements for young people as part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs. The funding available will cover the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25-hours per week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. Employers will also be given a £1,500 grant per placement to support set-up costs and employability support.

Through Kickstart, companies and organisations throughout the UK will be able to access a large pool of young people with potential, ready to embrace an opportunity and move into the workplace. Initially the scheme will prioritise young people who are claiming universal credit and are aged between 16 and 24. Their Jobcentre Plus Work Coach will support them to find suitable opportunities and enrol in the scheme.

Linda Gibb from Kickstart, said: “It’s great to see an increasing number of employers in Scotland and West Lothian signing up to Kickstart. Across our West Lothian job centres we’re working closely with more than 1,000 young people who are looking for work. It’s so important to support our young people at the start of their career journey to gain valuable work experience and transferable skills that will improve their job prospects.”

Any business can apply to Kickstart no matter how big or small. This includes sole traders and charities. Employers across a range of sectors, from hospitality and retail to administration, warehousing and manufacturing have already signed up and are starting to see the benefits.

A family run business in Bathgate, The Fairway Hotel and Restaurant, who are currently supporting the Kickstart scheme, said, “We have recently joined the Kickstart program and really recommend it to other businesses. We are proud to be giving back to the community.”

With customers being at the heart of their business, the Fairway Hotel and Restaurant pride themselves in offering Kickstart participants’ excellent customer service training. They are delighted to be supporting young people in the local community and recognise the benefits to their business in developing young talent.

If you think you could create a bespoke, entry level role fully funded by the Kickstart scheme go to www.gov.uk/Kickstart, or contact our team via kickstart.east@dwp. gov.uk who will be happy to assist you with the application process.

Apply today to Kickstart a young person’s career.

This article was contributed by Kickstart Bathgate, Jobcentre Plus, Government Buildings. 31 - 33 Whitburn Road, Bathgate, EH48 IHG