Hundreds of young people interested in Kickstart employment

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Heywood Job Centre

Hundreds of young people across Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton have shown interest in the government’s Kickstart scheme, as over 800 referrals have been made by Job Centre Plus work coaches.

The Kickstart Scheme was launched in September 2020 and aims to create additional jobs for young people who are at risk of long term unemployment, giving them the chance to build their confidence and skills in the workplace whilst improving their chances of finding long-term sustainable work.

Locally, employers offering Kickstart placements include: EXPD8, Superdrug, Tesco, Wincanton Holdings, McDonalds, Groundworks, Quality Save, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, MW Fulfilment, Granted Enterprise and the NHS.

A spokesperson for the Rochdale Job Centre said: “Across the three Jobcentres [in the Rochdale borough] we are working closely with National Careers Service to ensure that our youth customers have that wrap around support with their Kickstart applications, providing them with a real opportunity to build on their CVs, support them with their Kickstart applications and increase their confidence through mock interviews.

“Our employer advisors have organised ongoing Virtual Customer Information Sessions which will take place weekly, to educate our 18-24 customers from Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood, on the Kickstart scheme and the benefits of the work placements on offer.”

There have been seven successful starts with companies such as Quality Save, Tesco Stores, Superdrug and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing so far with the additional three roles being released post lockdown.

The Job Centres are also working closely with MW Fulfilment over in Heywood to support and get the right individuals in to their vacancies. The employer is offering six placements through the Kickstart Scheme which include: Stock and Systems Admin, Warehouse Admin, and Customer Service Admin.

All young people referred for this opportunity have just embarked on their two-week pre-employment training with Hopwood Hall College following another virtual open day with the employer and the college and will all be offered an interview once completed.

The NHS has recently been successful in its Kickstart application, securing 30 placements across Greater Manchester. Five positions are at the Rochdale Infirmary with recruitment being finalised and candidates in post by early April.

Job Centre employer advisors arranged a virtual open day which gave young people a chance to hear about the job opportunities available from the NHS across the various departments, including cardiac services, booking & scheduling, radiology, clinical support assistants and many more.

There will be another cohort of 30 placements in the summer. Successful candidates will receive support from the Prince’s Trust two weeks immediately before employment to ensure they are fully equipped for their roles.

For local employers to find out more about Kickstart or to offer a placement, please visit:

• www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-kickstart-scheme-grant