Kickstarting careers for young people
08/06/2022The Government’s Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new employment opportunities for 16-24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. Bridgend College is pleased to be involved in the scheme and has already created a large number of vacancies since the scheme launched in September 2020.
Cyfleoedd, meaning ‘opportunities’ in Welsh, is the College’s careers hub and has been instrumental in generating over 200 Kickstart vacancies since the scheme began, providing crucial support for local businesses in unprecedented times. Companies that can offer 6-month placements for young people will receive funding from the Government and can apply for an additional £1,500 towards training and other costs.
The College has supported a number of local businesses, including Peter Marezana, owner at Chef Marezana Foods in Bridgend. Peter has praised the support he’s received from Bridgend College,
“The Kickstart scheme has proven a useful channel to acquire enthusiastic new recruits. These are people at the start of their careers and keen to make an impact within the workforce.
I am thankful to Bridgend College for being able to provide information and training whenever needed and provide clarity on how the scheme works.”
Peter Marezana
Cyfleoedd supports each employer and employee throughout the 6 month placement period. The team can submit an online application on behalf of an organisation to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and advise on training opportunities suited to the role they wish to recruit, whilst also providing the employability support required for each candidate.
Tyler Garnham, a successful Kickstart candidate in an administrator role at Seren Support Services said,
“The most appealing thing about applying for a Kickstart role was the fact that it benefits you as a person because it is creating an opportunity for you to learn and train in a business environment. Bridgend College has helped me throughout the process. They have been having regular calls and emails with me to ask for feedback and to ask how everything is going, which I have really liked.”
Tyler Garnham
Cyfleoedd will continue to help provide these opportunities for young people and employers from all industries across the private, public and voluntary sectors. To find out more, visit the Kickstart section of our website.
