In July 2020 the Government have announced a 2 Billion Kickstart fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality 6-month work placements aimed at those aged 16-24 year olds.
What is Kickstart?
The Kickstart Scheme is a 6 month paid job with a local employer. The government is providing employers the cost of a young persons wage for 25 hours per week. In return the employer has to create a quality opportunity that includes on the job training and if required CV and job hunting support.
Kickstart could just be the opportunity you need to build your skills, experience and confidence about the world of work.
What are the requirements for Kickstart?
Jobs from the Kickstart Scheme will be open to people 16-24 years old, who are claiming Universal Credit, and are at risk of long term unemployment. If you are not on Universal Credit or need advice about accessing JobCentre support visit our Hub.
Who will tell me about it?
If you have a work coach they will talk to you about the Kickstart Scheme and whether it’s right for you. You wont be able to apply for opportunities yourself, your work coach will guide you through.
You may see opportunities being promoted online, if you see one that you are really interested in take down the details and ask your JobCentre Coach about it.
We are sharing Kickstart opportunities from the Youth Friendly Employers in our network as part of the #CreateYourFuture Campaign. Visit the Opportunities Hub to see what is available, if you are signed into the site the page will show you the opportunities near you first!
I am not on Universal Credit are there other opportunities for me?
Yes! This is a summer of opportunity here at Youth Employment UK. The #CreateYourFuture campaign runs all summer long and in the Opportunity Finder you can find – traineeships, apprenticeships, employment, skills training, work experience, volunteering and other events all over the country. Remember to sign in so you can find those great local opportunities!
What else can Youth Employment UK help me with?
We exist to support young people on their journey to work. Our site is packed with great information’s, resources and activities. All of our content is free to access and if you sign in you can get a really personal experience as well as sign up to our weekly newsletter so you never miss out on another opportunity.
Check out some of these resources:
Young Professional Skills and Work Experience Programmes
#CreateYourFuture Opportunity Finder
I am an employer, what do I need to know?
In partnership with Movement to Work we have built a Kickstart Hub for employers which will provide you with everything you need to know including a database of providers and best practice resources.
If you would like to promote your opportunities via #CreateYourFuture complete the proforma in this article.
