Kickstart scheme

What is the Kickstart scheme?

Kickstart scheme is part of the Plan for Jobs. It’s a government’s programme to give young people the best possible chance of getting a job.

It is a £2billion fund to create high-quality six month work placements for people aged 16-24, who are not working and claiming Universal Credit. This will help young people develop skills and gain experience to find work after completing the scheme.

How does the scheme work?

Selected out-of-work young people on Universal Credit will be offered six-month work placements for at least 25 hours a week.

How can young people take part?

Jobcentre staff will identify people at risk of long-term unemployment to refer to the scheme. After that, Jobcentre work coaches will support candidates before and after their placement.

If you’re between 16 and 24, not working and claiming Universal Credit, speak to your Jobcentre work coach to take part in the scheme.

Kickstart opportunities at Ealing Council

Ealing Council is taking part in the Kickstart scheme as an employer. We are currently recruiting for young people to join us at the council. As well as getting paid at National Minimum Wage, or National Living Wage (depending on your age), you will get employment support and mentoring to help you in your new role and in your future career. Speak to your Jobcentre work coach and apply by 10 September.

Types of roles available

  • Digital marketing
  • Youth service support worker and DofE support worker
  • Youth engagement for Hanwell Zoo and Young Ealing Safeguarding Project
  • Supporting Ealing Council’s COVID recovery and response plan
  • Supporting children with special educational needs at a children’s centre
  • Project support assistants
  • Business administrator / customer service
  • Mental health activities coordinator
  • Supporting people with mental health issues or older adults
  • Annual review support assistant.

Who is paying?

The government will be covering:

  • 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week for each young person
  • associated employer National Insurance contributions
  • employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

In addition, businesses will receive £1,500 per job placement for setup costs.

Which businesses can apply?

Employers from all industries in the private, public and voluntary sectors can apply.

How can businesses apply?

Employers can apply on the Gov.uk website themselves or get help from a Kickstart gateway organisation, like Ealing Council. We are a Kickstart intermediary that supports local organisations to set up placements and make applications to the DWP on their behalf.

The deadline for employer applications is Friday, 17 December 2021 at midday. Ealing Council is only accepting new enquires until Friday, 10 December 2021 to allow enough time for processing and the necessary checks. For more information, please email us on kickstart@ealing.gov.uk or call us on 020 8825 6234.