The recent launch of the government’s “Kickstart Scheme” has prompted both North West Group and Yorkshire Roof Training Group to get on board with Gateway organisations, Procure Plus and En:Able Futures to assist their members in the recruitment of new staff.
The objective of the Kickstart Scheme is to help young people aged from 16-24 and in receipt of Universal Credit, to get back into work and boost the UK economy.
Although a Kickstart application must be for a minimum of 30 job placements, as it’s unlikely that single employers will be able to provide this number, they can apply for just one individual place (or more), by using an existing Kickstart Gateway.
The government will fund each ‘kickstart’ job, paying 100% of the National Minimum Wage, National Insurance, and pension contributions for 25 hours a week. Employers will be able to top up this wage and can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021.
The government will also pay employers £1,500 to establish support and training for those on placement, as well as helping to pay for uniforms and other set up costs.
More information about the Kickstart Scheme can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Sue Wharton, group training officer for the North West Group, said: “With this type of support, here’s a golden opportunity to trial individuals who may in due course, prove suitable for further training/upskilling at a time when we are faced with a critical shortage of skilled labour.
“We are all aware that we can no longer rely on family and friends to form the backbone of our sector. An extra bonus for employers is available via Procure Plus, as they are providing a “site-ready” service, so those new to construction can take advantage of relevant free training, Health Safety and Environment tests and CSCS cards.”
Meanwhile, Denise Cherry, group training officer for the Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group, is promoting the initiative to 100 of its group members. The Group’s work with En-Able Futures will give the option of the Health Safety and Environment course, CSCS cards and practical roof training to ensure that young people become knowledgeable and useful on-site during the first month.
Speaking about the news, Denise said: “This really is a good offer for companies to recruit young people to support their existing workforce, and potentially take up further learning to become permanent employees.”
