KICKSTART SCHEME BRINGS MORE THAN 300 JOBS TO AREA
YOUNG people in northern Lincolnshire will be able to apply for one of more than 300 new job placements that have been created as part of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme.
Care Plus Group are an approved Kickstart Gateway organisation and Employability Services are working with employers across northern Lincolnshire to help so of the most at risk young people into work.
The group have recently received confirmation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for an additional 55 Kickstart vacancies with six new employers, meaning they have a total of 332 roles available across 14 employers.
Local businesses from a range of sectors including health and social care, retail, hospitality and construction have signed up to support the Kickstart job placements.
Sharon Stead, business and innovation manager at Care Plus Group, said: “This is excellent news for North East Lincolnshire – our local economy, local businesses and young people. “The scheme will bring in approximately £2 million of funding to the local economy as well as providing CPG with the credibility of acting as a Gateway organisation to support local businesses to offer Kickstart job placements.
“The Employability Services Team have specialised in offering support to local people to gain experience and employment for over 12 years so are well placed to be able to support this initiative.” Launched at the start of September by the DWP, Kickstart aims to connect young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment and claiming universal credit with businesses providing a subsidised programme.
As part of the scheme the Government pays the wage, National Insurance and pension contributions of individuals for 25 hours per week. Additionally, £1,500 per placement is available to help with other costs such as training, employability support and uniform.
Adam Barber is on of the young people being supported into employment by Care Plus Group Employability Services, he said: “Kickstart is an amazing opportunity.
“The staff are fabulous and have been a great support along the way’’ Jessica Edney is also enrolled through the scheme, she said: “I feel more in control of my job searches and have a lot more choices with Kickstart.
“I am being offered opportunities that I would never have thought about before, like retail work in a garden centre.
“I definitely feel more motivated to get a job as I was very unsure previously about what I wanted to do.”
The Kickstart vacancies include: admin, care workers, activity assistants, teaching assistants, labourers, finance assistants, project management assistants, ground workers, patient liaison assistants, business development assistant, employability assistant and many more.