Supporting the "Kickstart Scheme"
We know the stats for the preservation and construction industry are not great when it comes to recruiting the next generation. And we know that the current pandemic isn’t helping either. But, the good news is that there is help out there for PCA members to provide those vital opportunities to the younger generation – and its ‘potentially‘ really easy!
Good news – the ‘Kickstart Scheme’
The new Kickstart Scheme from the Government provides employers with the chance to receive funding and create those important job placements for young people. Not only will this provide you with the necessary support for your businesses, it also gives access to those individuals who are looking to get into the industry too. But also, you will be supporting a movement to reduce the number of unemployment within this age range and provide fundamental life skills to the next working generation. What’s not to like about that?!
So what is the “Kickstart Scheme”?
The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion government fund to create high-quality, 6-month work placements for young people. These placements should provide the individual with the opportunity to develop skills and gain the experience needed to find long-term work. This scheme is aimed at 16-24 year olds who are claiming universal credit and who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
What support will employers receive?
- 100% of the relevant national minimum wage for 25 hours a week
- Employer national insurance contribution
- Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
- £1,500 additional funding per placement, for set up, support and training
Placements must be:
- A minimum of 25 hours a week
- 6-month placement
- Paid at least the minimum wage
- No extensive training required before beginning the placement
- Must be new roles within the company and cannot be seen to effect the employment of other members of staff within the company
Joining together to make it happen
For members to make an application, the scheme does require a minimum of 30 placements. For most PCA members, this is not practical. HOWEVER, your Association has the option to become a representative for everyone within the membership allowing you to take advantage of the scheme.
For us to be able to do this, we would need 30 placements from across the whole of our membership instead of per company. This makes this target much more achievable. As the representative, your Association would submit the application and deal with the initial communications from the Department of Working Pensions (DWP).
Are you interested in joining the scheme?
We see this as a great initiative and as we have said above, one which provides support for your business and to those individuals who are looking to take their first steps towards working in the preservation/construction industry. This movement really will provide fundamental life skills to the next working generation.
If you are interested in joining the scheme or have any questions, please contact Jade Stocker on [email protected] or 01480 400720 or via the button below:
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