Worksop businesses urged to take advantage of scheme and create jobs for young people

Hundreds of job placements have already been created across Nottinghamshire through the Kickstart scheme.

East Midlands Chamber has helped to facilitate more than 1,000 potential placements as part of the Government’s Kickstart scheme, which will cover the cost of a six-month placement for 16 to 24-year-olds who are on Universal Credit or at risk of long-term unemployment.

The chamber of commerce for Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire has now signed up almost 340 businesses that want to take advantage of the programme..

About a third of the 1,061 placements applied for consist of digital and technology roles, with other popular jobs include business and finance, as well as transport and storage.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “We know young people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and the huge amount of unemployment it has created, so the Kickstart scheme is an important mechanism for helping them to get the skills they need to prepare for the world of work.

“Businesses that take part will be playing a vital role in their communities by supporting and preparing our future workforce, but there are also many benefits for employers.

“As this is a fully-funded scheme, it allows organisations to trial new roles, and provides relevant training and mentoring to ensure the young person has the most up-to-date skills and knowledge.

"There is also a relatively risk-free opportunity to identify good-quality apprentices, opening a pathway for both the employer and employee to grow together.

“We’re excited to be working with local authorities – either in partnership when it comes to applying on behalf of their businesses, or by holding information sessions – as we want to make sure as many companies as possible take advantage of these opportunities.”

Employers that want to create at least 30 placements can apply directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for a grant to cover the costs, but companies with fewer than 30 roles must apply via recognised gateway organisations, such as the Chamber.

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