Businesses urged to help young people to Kickstart their careers
Businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are being advised to seize the opportunity to reinvigorate their operations and support young people into work through a Government-funded programme.
The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion fund from the government to create thousands of high-quality, fully funded six-month work placements for 16 to 24-year-olds to help them get the skills, experience and confidence to go onto longer-term work.
In addition to supporting young people in launching their careers during a difficult economic climate, businesses will receive input from the enthusiasm and drive from participants keen to make their mark.
In Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire the Kickstart scheme is being coordinated by the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce for all businesses wanting to offer placements for up to 30 young people. Businesses wanting to offer over 30 placements should contact the Government directly.
Kickstart placements will need to:
• Be new, and take the place of any temporary, permanent or planned roles
• Show a business’s commitment to supporting the young person’s professional development throughout the placement
• Be a minimum of 25 hours a week for 6 months
By offering placements, businesses will receive:
• 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for that age group for 25 hours a week
• Associated National Insurance Contributions
• Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
• £1,500 of extra funding to support them with the experience, skills and training to help move them onto more sustainable employment.
Businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire wanting to offer up to 30 Kickstart placements should email: kickstart@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
Information on the Kickstart scheme and all other support programmes can be access through the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub team at www.stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk or by calling the advice line on 0800 111 3002.
LEP chairman Alun Rogers said: “The Kickstart scheme will provide real opportunities for young people in our area in getting the grounding they need to take a first step onto the career ladder.
“Gaining meaningful employment can be difficult at the best of times and Covid-19 pandemic has presented us with huge challenges. The economy has been hit hard and most businesses have been affected.
“Many businesses have shown great resilience through this period and may have created openings for new employment. We would urge them to find out more about the Kickstart scheme and get involved.
“Not only will they be giving committed young people a start in their chosen career and the chance to develop their skills; they will also benefit from the drive and enthusiasm new placements will bring to their operations.”
Businesses can find out more at: https://bit.ly/3dAlHCm
