Council provides young people facing unemployment a new opportunity with support from the Kickstart Scheme
This year, South Somerset District Council (SSDC) will offer up to 30 employment opportunities to young people facing unemployment with the Government’s Kickstart Scheme.
The Kickstart Scheme is available to help young people aged 16-24, who are currently in receipt of Universal Credit, get jobs and gain experience to help them advance and kick start their carer. The Kickstart Scheme supports the HM Government’s Plan for Jobs campaign.
SSDC is planning to employ 30 young people on six month contacts through the scheme. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people at threat of unemployment to get local jobs while gaining insight and practical experience which will help them advance in the working world.
In order to support the long term employability, SSDC will run a comprehensive learning and development programme that will complement supportive workplace opportunities and mentoring.
The Kickstart Scheme will also provide a stepping stone to permanent jobs and potential future employment by SSDC and other organisations.
Positions are currently being advertised for the Kickstart Scheme at local Jobcentre Plus offices. We encourage anyone interested in the scheme to discuss Kickstart opportunities with your Jobcentre Plus work coaches.
By providing scheme placements, we are not only assisting residents with their long-term job prospects, but also supporting residents at risk of long-term unemployment by enabling them to become empowered and self-reliant.
Councillor John Clark, South Somerset District Council’s portfolio holder for economic development, said: “We are proud to be supporting this government initiative, by creating new job placements for young people, who are at risk of unemployment.
“It’s a great opportunity with a variety of roles available, which will provide insight and practical working experience. Our support and supported learning programme will develop the young person’s employability skills, preparing them for their next steps. I fully encourage anyone aged between 16 and 24 who is at risk of long term unemployment and in receipt of Universal Credit in South Somerset to look to apply.”
If you would like to find out more about the Government’s Kickstart Scheme visit www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme.
If you are interested in becoming a Kickstart apprentice visit your local Job Centre Plus office. You can find your local office at www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus or contact us for further information at kickstart@southsomerset.gov.uk.