THE UK's Kickstart Scheme, which provides high-quality, government-subsidised jobs for 16-24-year olds, has created 19,672 opportunities in tech, film and TV, communications, fitness, and the charity sectors so far.
The £2 billion scheme began last week has also received more than 4,350 applications from employers and gateways in tech, construction, communications, fitness and media, an official statement said.
The scheme runs until December 2021 and is expected to create more than 250,000 high-quality jobs.
“Our country’s future will be built by the next generation, so it’s vital that we harness the talent of young people as we rebuild from the pandemic," said chancellor Rishi Sunak.
"This isn’t just about kickstarting our economy, we’re giving opportunity and hope to thousands of young people, kickstarting their careers and offering them a brighter future.”
Businesses including Tesco, Bloomberg, British Chambers of Commerce, Network Rail, Barnardo’s, YMCA, LADBible, Tech Nation, The Royal Mint, KFC, and Farrow & Ball have committed to support the scheme.
Besides, over 500 gateways-which act on behalf of employers offering 29 or less vacancies-have registered to help the smallest businesses to hire young people.
“Every job created by the Kickstart Scheme is a potentially life-changing opportunity for a young person, and the heartening response of employers shows they recognise the huge value in giving youth a chance," said Thérèse Coffey, work and pensions secretary.
“The pandemic has hit young people hard, but we are doing everything in our power to give them hope and the chance to find their place in the world of work. Employers from all corners of the country have signed up, creating thousands of new and interesting jobs and helping us to level up as we build back better.”
On Wednesday(11), prime minister Boris Johnson and Sunak visited a Tesco warehouse and met some young people who are set to start their Kickstart placements next week.
According to the statement, each job placement under the scheme lasts six months and is fully funded by the government. Employees will also get additional employment support and training, with £1,500 available to employers to cover this training as well as other onboarding costs.
The government has invested £1.6bn in increasing the number of apprenticeships, trainee-ships and employment support schemes, helping people to build the skills they need to get back into work.
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