The Project
The Kickstart Scheme is a Government initiative to create high quality six-month work placements for people aged 16 to 24. The scheme was launched to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on youth unemployment.
We have been acting as a gateway organisation for the scheme in Torbay, supporting businesses with their applications, employability support and liaison with the Department of Work and Pensions.
Placements created were:
- A minimum of 25 hours per week, for six months
- Paid at least National Minimum Wage for their age group
- Not requiring people to undertake extensive training before the job placement.
Torbay Council, alongside South Devon College, supported employers to develop applicants’ skills and experience, this included:
- Support with CV guidance and interview preparations
- Support for long term employment, including career advice
- Supporting the participant with basic work skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork.
To date, TDA has submitted eight applications to the scheme, applying on behalf of 80 employers, 83 placements for young people have successfully been created.
The scheme closed for new applications in December 2021 and ongoing placements end September 2022.
More information about the national scheme is available from the Government website.
Case Study: Ascot House Hotel
Torbay hotel, Ascot House Hotel talk about getting involved in the Kickstart scheme and we speak to Kera Slack who joined Ascot House under the Kickstart scheme.
Case Study: Babbacombe Bay Cafe
Jonathan Faife joined Babbacombe Bay Cafe under the Kickstart scheme. The programme has helped Jonathan to become an integral part of the Babbacombe Bay Cafe team. Read how Kickstart provided ‘the perfect catalyst’ for Jonathan’s career.
Case Study: Eat That Frog CIC
Eat That Frog offer opportunities and support to young people who haven’t thrived in mainstream education. They talk about the benefits of getting involved in the Kickstart scheme and we speak to Adam who joined Eat That Frog under the Kickstart scheme.
