Good News for Jobs for Young People

Thanks to the Kickstart Scheme, 64 ‘high-quality’ job placements for young people aged 16 to 24 have been opened up with 21 employers in Kensington and Chelsea. The scheme helps smaller employers to create local job opportunities and help to develop the ‘next generation of talent’. 

 

The placements are funded through the Government to cover the cost for necessary support and training, national minimum wage payments. National Insurance and pension contributions for the first six months. It is aimed at encouraging local businesses, organisations and third sector employers to create more local jobs, bring faces into their workforce and allow them to develop their skills. 

 

A total of 21 employers took part in an application submitted by Kensington and Chelsea Council. RBK & C  is an official Gateway Intermediary for smaller employers on the scheme to secure funding.  The approval of the application by the council came through at the beginning of December 2020 – and after a short review and approval process, the first placements are expected imminently.

 

As a Gateway Intermediary, the Council also works to connect employers with candidates, ensure placements are of a high- quality  – and provide practical advice and support to both employers and employees about putting the most out of placements. 

 

Young people looking to supply for the placements will be referred through the Job Centre Plus, through its established process, where they’ll be supported by work coaches through the scheme. 

Employers who want to get more information should approach employmentandskills@rbkc.go.uk.