What is the Government Kickstart Scheme?

The Kickstart scheme is a £2 billion initiative aimed at increasing employment rates in young people (aged 16-24), whilst providing employers with government funding to overcome the economic hardship caused by COVID-19.

The scheme asks employers to create 6-month work placements for those aged 16-24, allowing them to gain the experience and employability skills they need, to enter (and stay in) future employment. In return, the government will pay the wages of each young person taken on by an organisation, and provide them with a grant to cover the associated overhead costs.

The job roles can be in any sector and of any description. Examples include but are not limited to: