Salvation Army taking on 85 young people through the Kickstart Scheme

The Salvation Army is taking on 85 young people through the Kickstart Scheme. Rebecca Keating, the Director of The Salvation Army Employment Plus UK believes it is a great opportunity:

“We knew we had the ability to host placements that were meaningful and would provide people with more than just paid work experience. Each Kickstarter has a dedicated employability professional that go with them on their journey. If people are keen to stay on with us afterwards perhaps go into an apprenticeship or further training with us, we would definitely look to take people on.”

What is the Kickstart Scheme?

DWP’s Kickstart Scheme provides fully-funded jobs for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. 

The scheme, which has been underway since September, is helping to put young people who have been some of the hardest hit by the economic impact of the pandemic on the first rung of their career ladder. The funding available pays 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week for 6 months. Employers will need to provide support throughout the placement to improve the candidate’s skills and confidence, and which will hopefully springboard them into a more permanent role.

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Recent developments

We have made it easier for employers of all sizes to benefit from joining the scheme, by removing the limit requiring they create a minimum of 30 vacancies in order to be able to apply directly. We have made this change because we know that this threshold was a barrier to making an application for many employers. This will allow us to bring on board a greater number of employers, creating many more exciting opportunities for young people. 

Employers who want support to get involved with the scheme can continue to partner with one of our many Gateway organisations such as a Local Authority or Chamber of Commerce. Gateways can help provide a local connection and the necessary wrap around support which is a hallmark of Kickstart. DWP welcomes existing Gateways continuing to apply to add more jobs and employers over the life of the scheme.

Since applications opened in September, there are now more than 900 approved gateways covering many sectors and all parts of the country. With so many Gateways already approved, we have closed applications for new Gateways.

How can you get involved?

Employers of all sizes and from all sectors – including the charity sector and social enterprises – are being encouraged to sign up as the government redoubles its efforts to create jobs for young people. 

We also encourage you to promote the Kickstart Scheme through your channels. There are resources available on www.gov.uk to support you: 

Guide for employers 
Tips for making a successful Kickstart Scheme application
Guidance on choosing a Kickstart Gateway
Toolkit for employers who have signed up