Did you know? The Kickstart scheme is coming to an end?
What is Kickstart?
The Kickstart Scheme offers six-month jobs for young people aged 16 to 24 who currently claim Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment.
Not only will you have a young person working for you, funded by the Government. You will also be supporting them in developing transferable skills to increase their chances of sustained employment.
What does the funding cover?
- 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
- associated employer National Insurance contributions
- minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions
- a grant of £1,500 per job to cover setup costs and employability support
How do I apply?
Employers can apply directly through the Government Website
https://www.apply-kickstart-grant-employer.service.gov.uk/
Young persons can apply by contacting their DWP Work Coaches
https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/government-services/kickstart-scheme/
Testimonies
Bon-Accord Training employed their newest member of staff, Claire Curran, through the Governments Kickstart Scheme.
Here are testimonies from Claire Curran and Carol Gray (Director) on their opinions of their experience of the scheme from an employee and employer perspective.
What was your impression of the Kickstart Scheme?
“I think it’s been a great opportunity as I had been out of employment for over six months due to the pandemic. I felt my work coach gave me lots of options on suitable roles I was interested in.”
Do you think the Kickstart Scheme has been successful in your instance?
“I think the hard work and time it took to achieve this role was worth it because I feel I am well suited in this role and company than if I had been accepted for other roles I applied for. So, at the end of the day, I feel everything has worked out for the best for me, and I am happy with the experience of the Kickstart scheme. I think it has set me up for a long healthy career, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get back into the world of work.”
Claire Curran, Training and Digital Content Administrator
What made you decide to use the Kickstart Scheme?
“As an established training provider, we are passionate about helping people gain new skills. We saw how many young people were out of work and how few opportunities there were. So we thought, where better to start but in our office, learning about the types of courses we offer and how these impact people’s lives and careers.”
How easy was it to apply for funding and advertise a post through the Kickstart Scheme?
“I found the process very easy. We were guided every step of the way by the Department of Work and Pensions and Aberdeenshire Council, who acted as the Kickstart Gateway. Once approved for funding, the Employment Support Team followed up on emails regularly.
We created a new post, and after the advert went live, the Employer Engagement and Partnership Advisers from the Department of Work and Pensions actively managed the advert and kept in touch regularly to offer support.
Overall, I urge employers to engage with the process and help to give our young people a much needed helping hand in these difficult times.”
Carol Gray, Director
