Employers urged to help youngsters kickstart careers
A Campbeltown-based social enterprise is encouraging employers to take advantage of a UK Government scheme aimed at helping young people to kickstart their careers, writes Hannah O’Hanlon.
Inspiralba is ‘dedicated’ to supporting other social enterprises and community-based organisations to become involved in the Kickstart Scheme.
It was established in response to unemployment created by the Covid-19 pandemic to provide those aged 16 to 24 years with valuable opportunities to gain employment and develop new skills.
The scheme can support employers of any size to cover 100 per cent 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 six months. This includes associated employer National Insurance contributions and minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions, with start dates up until December 31 2021.
‘The scheme is an ideal opportunity for young people and employers to benefit,’ said an Inspiralba spokesperson, ‘and the application process is straightforward.’
Caroline Speirs, chairperson of children’s cancer charity Calum’s Cabin, said: ‘The process was streamlined and timely.
‘There was all the support needed by Inspiralba and the
Department of Work and Pensions.
‘The programme is a real win-win for the employee and the employer.’
Through the scheme, employers can find a candidate who will bring valuable skills and knowledge to the role while also providing a young person with work.
Another organisation participating in the Kickstart Scheme is Islay Gaelic College.
Niall Woodrow, manager of the college, has had a positive experience with the scheme.
‘We were fortunate in having two strong applications and employed an applicant who was particularly well suited to the post,’ he said. ‘She is an enthusiastic and hardworking young person who quickly agreed to a series of projects within our organisation.’
For more information about hosting placements, contact Rachel MacPhail at Inspiralba by emailing rachel.macphail@inspiralba.org.uk or telephoning 07917 606052.
For more information on applying for Kickstart Scheme placements, contact your local Job Centre.