Recently heard about the Kickstart Scheme? Not quite sure what it is or why you should be interested in it? Well, Hannah, Business Development Administrator at Digital Innovators recently went through the Kickstart Scheme and is here to shed some light on how it all works…
What is Kickstart?
Kickstart is a scheme that provides funding to employers to create roles in their company specifically for 16-24 year olds who are in receipt of Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. The government will fully fund the position for a duration of 6 months by providing the national minimum wage for 25 hours a week (which an employer can choose to top up).
The Kickstart scheme is a great way for young people to take the first step into a career, develop their skills and gain more experience. In addition, each employer who takes on employees through Kickstart is required to help them become more employable. Therefore, if you were to apply for a Kickstart role, your new employer will help you in a variety of ways, including: looking for long term work, career advice, CV & interview practice, provide any additional training, developing skills and boosting confidence in a real working environment.
So, what’s in it for you and why should you consider applying for a Kickstart role?
· A Kickstart role could provide the perfect opportunity for you to take your first step into the working world.
· Kickstart roles are specifically designed for young people with limited work experience, so there are no formal entry requirements for them (only that you are between the ages of 16-24 and are claiming Universal Credit).
· It’s a great way to see if you like working in a specific role or industry, without the commitment!
· Employers will offer training and development opportunities for you so that you can develop your skills whilst in the role, as well as improve your employability for the future.
· Of course, another bonus is that you will be able to earn some money for the duration of the 6-month contract!
· Once your contract has finished, not only will you feel like you are in a stronger position when applying for jobs in the future, but you could potentially be kept on by your employer.
Sounds great! But how do I apply?
Applying for a Kickstart job is simple, there a just a few things you need to sort out first!
1. In order to apply for a Kickstart vacancy, you need to be in receipt of Universal Credit. So, if you aren’t already in receipt of this, that is the first step you should take.
2. After you have completed step one, you should have been put in contact with a Work Coach by the Job Centre. Talk to your Work Coach about Kickstart vacancies and express your interest in applying, they will then be able to suggest a vacancy to you that you may like to apply for, or you could ask them about specific roles/industries you may be interested in.
Many of our employer contacts are interested in employing Digital Innovators graduates through Kickstart. As a member of the DI Collective, we know your capabilities and career interests. So, whenever a Kickstart vacancy becomes available with one of our employer contacts which is suited to you, we will notify you of it. Then, you can ask your Work Coach to refer you to it.
3. Your Work Coach will then make a referral which will allow you to complete an application for the role. Once you have applied, the employer will then be able to follow their normal recruitment process, which will most likely include an interview.
4. Should you be successful, it is then over to the employer to onboard you and set you up as an official Kickstart employee!
So, that’s a round-up of the Kickstart Scheme! For more information about the scheme, click here and here.
Are you an employer? Interested in taking on a young person through the Kickstart Scheme? Click here for more information on applying via our Kickstart Gateway.
Ready to kickstart your career with a 6-month placement? Get in touch and join the DI Collective to be informed of new vacancies with our employer contacts!
