Centric HR, a leading human resource consultancy in Staffordshire has offered a work experience placement to a young candidate to help process and support other kickstarters who are being helped into the workplace through the governments Kickstart scheme.
Peter Jones from Stafford joined the team at Centric HR in March to help support the business which was appointed by the government as a gateway provider for the scheme. Working directly with the programme manager John Morrall, Peter is assisting with the applications from employers, and supporting other kickstarters as they begin their employment including the launch of an ‘action learning set’ which provides kickstarters with a forum to share their experiences, thoughts and ideas.
Sandra Berns, Managing Director at Centric HR commented: “We are delighted to have been able to give Peter an opportunity to join us and help with the extra workload that the Kickstart Scheme has created for us. We have had hundreds of applications from employers throughout the country willing to offer young people work experience opportunities. Peter has settled into our team very well and it’s great that a young person on the scheme is playing a fundamental role in the wrap around care we deliver as gateway providers.”
“As we emerge out of the Covid-19 induced lockdown, we are seeing some real positive signs from businesses intent on getting their businesses back on track and are looking to utilise the Kickstart scheme to help with this process. We are receiving and processing an increasing number of applications each week with many companies intimating the work experience opportunities could lead to full time employment if the kickstarters can add value to their business,” added Sandra.
Launched within the Covid-19 pandemic, the Kickstart scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 16- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment and employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months. The funding also covers associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.
Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021 and it is designed to help create thousands of new, fully funded jobs across England, Scotland and Wales with further funding available for training and support so that young people on the scheme can get a job in the future.
“The Kickstart Scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get paid while boosting their skills and experience, putting them in a stronger position to secure a long-term job in the future. We wish Peter all the best in his new role and it’s fantastic to see a Kickstarter helping other young people find employment,” said Carol Hemming, District Partnership Manager DWP.
Photograph Caption:
From left to right; John Morrall Kickstart Programme Manager at Centric HR, Peter Jones Kickstarter, and Sandra Berns MD at Centric HR pictured outside their office at Hawkesyard Hall in Rugeley, Staffordshire.