Career Kickstart for young people in Cardiff

YOUNG people at risk of long-term unemployment are being offered a kick start into the jobs market via the national Kickstart scheme.

Sixteen to 24-year-olds in the city, who claim Universal Credit, have the opportunity to access six-month job placements across a wide range of sectors to help give them the experience, skills and knowledge that could lead to longer-term employment.

The UK Government initiative which will offer hundreds of thousands of job opportunities across the UK over the next two years guarantees a job placement for a minimum of 25 hours a week for each young person supported.

The Council’s ‘Cardiff Commitment’ to young people, which brings together partners across the city, will ensure that the number of Kickstart places in the city is maximised.

Employers of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to consider how they can support young people eligible for the scheme, which is fully funded by the UK Government. Employers will receive full funding for each job placement for setup costs and support a young person to develop their employability skills.

The Council’s  Into Work Advice Service, Cardiff Youth Service and citywide youth support services are all working together to ensure that as many young people as possible get the guidance and support they need to access these new opportunities and secure a better future.

Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry, said:

“I’m really pleased that the Council and our Cardiff Commitment partners are working together closely to pool their expertise and knowledge to support young people, who may have lost jobs and opportunities because of the pandemic. I am also delighted to confirm that the Council itself will soon be advertising an initial 30 Kickstart placements within Council Services.”

Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation and Performance, Cllr Chris Weaver, added:

“Job placements will enable young people to build their skills in the workplace, give them invaluable on-the-job experience and enhance their chances of getting long-term work.

“We hope that organisations and businesses, big and small, will take the opportunity to give a young person a meaningful kick start into work where they can gain confidence and skills for future careers.”