Colleges sign up to deliver new Kickstart jobs scheme

Education Partnership North East colleges will play a leading role in providing employment opportunities for young people by helping local businesses access the Government’s Kickstart scheme. 

Northumberland College and Sunderland College have been chosen as a gateway for the new initiative which will create thousands of new, full subsidised jobs across the UK as part of the £2 billion Plan for Jobs. 

Under the scheme, employers will offer 16-24-year-olds who are on Universal Credit a six-month job placement, with funding available for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus National Insurance and pension contributions. 

Successful employers will also receive £1,500 per placement towards setup costs, while in turn giving young people invaluable, paid work experience and the opportunity to develop their skills. 

Iain Nixon, Vice Principal for Partnerships and Commercial, said: “The Kickstart scheme is a great opportunity for businesses to develop their organisation while helping young people build their skills and gain experience to improve their chances of finding long-term work. 

“Our expert teams will help employers access funding and guide them through the application process, making it easy for them to access a large pool of talented young people. 

“Through our links with Jobcentre Plus, we can also help source placement candidates and provide ongoing training and support.” 

The Kickstart roles must be new jobs that do not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose or reduce their employment. 

Employers can register their interest by emailing employers@educationpartnershipne.ac.uk or by calling 0300 770 1000. 

Education Partnership North East is a leading training provider working across the North East and beyond, offering an extensive range of high-quality training solutions tailored to help businesses grow, motivate and upskill their existing staff and provide them with new talent to develop a workforce for the future.