Check if you can apply for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme
If you are an employer looking to create job placements for young people, check if you can apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
How the scheme works
You can use the Kickstart Scheme to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.
Funding is available for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.
Funding is available following a successful application process. Applications must be for a minimum of 30 job placements. If you are unable to offer this many job placements, you can partner with other organisations to reach the minimum number.
If you are a representative applying on behalf of a group of employers, you can get £300 of funding to support with the associated administrative costs of bringing together these employers.
Kickstart is not an apprenticeship, but participants may move on to an apprenticeship at any time during, or after their job placement.
The Kickstart Scheme is available in England, Scotland and Wales.
Who can apply for funding
Any organisation, regardless of size, can apply for funding.
The job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs. They must not:
- replace existing or planned vacancies
- cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment
The roles you are applying for must be:
- a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months
- paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group
- should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement
Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including:
- support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
- support with CV and interview preparations
- supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork
Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their 6-month term.
How to apply
If you’re creating more than 30 job placements
If your organisation is creating more than 30 job placements as part of the Kickstart Scheme, you can submit your application directly.
If you’re creating fewer than 30 job placements
If your organisation is creating fewer than 30 job placements, you cannot apply directly. You must partner with other organisations in order to create a minimum of 30 job placements before applying.
Other organisations could include:
- similar employers
- local authorities
- trade bodies
- registered charities
Find out more about becoming a representative for a group of employers.
You can contact your local or national Kickstart Scheme employer contact for help getting a representative.
Other help you can get
Find coronavirus financial support for your business
Business support (COVID-19)
Employ someone step by step
Advertise a job
Recruitment advice and support
Published 2 September 2020
Last updated 2 September 2020 + show all updates
-
Added link to specific Kickstart Scheme employer contacts.
-
First published.
Responses