The £2 billion scheme, designed to create hundreds of thousands of high quality, 6-month placements for young people have proved hugely popular throughout the UK. The chance to access paid-for placements for young people is a huge tool, who were amongst the most affected during the past 18-months.
The Chamber have been working together with the Department for Work and Pensions in order to support the application process for businesses who would like to offer less than 30 placements under the scheme. With the appointment of a dedicated Kickstart Executive, the process has been executed smoothly for both businesses and young applicants, and as the first cohort of placements comes to an end this month, we are pleased to confirm that each Kickstart employee has been offered a full-time place within their chosen company.
This success shows just how important schemes such as this one are to businesses who are in need of skilled-ready workers. The Kickstart placements have allowed those businesses who were not in a position to hire workers six months ago the opportunity to train young workers. As restrictions wind down, business confidence has grown, resulting in these placements becoming available as permanent positions and providing full-time employment.
Businesses are also eager to offer young people the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and new skills. The scheme is currently due to end in December 2021 however there is a possibility there may be an extension.
We would highly recommend government to consider this extension or introduce similar schemes and programmes that allow businesses access to workers which could result in employment. The opportunity the scheme provides to both businesses and young people looking for work are invaluable and helps address the skills shortage that businesses are currently faced with.