HUNDREDS of paid work placements are being made available across Bradford through the Government’s Kickstart scheme, which aims to get young people aged 16 – 24 on Universal Credit back into employment.

The scheme is designed to give young people at risk of long-term unemployment, six months paid work experience funded by the government, to improve their chances of finding a permanent job.

Over 130 employers across the city have signed up to provide placements through the SkillsHouse Partnership, and the roles are now starting to be filled. SkillsHouse is a gateway provider, helping businesses access funding, while also providing training and support during the placement.

Over 700 six-month placements are being offered to young people in a wide range of roles including sales, book keeping, gardening, butchery, cooking and youth work. Among the businesses who have signed up are University of Bradford and Kala Sangam Arts Centre.

SkillsHouse is working with a number of different partners on the Kickstart scheme, including Bradford College, Brathay Trust, Department for Work and Pensions, Grange Interlink, Impact Hub, Incommunities, Karmand Community Centre, Keighley College, Project 6, Shipley College, Skills For Growth, The Bridge Project and University of Bradford.

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Young people interested in applying for a placement are urged to contact their Work Coach at their local jobcentre, who will match them with vacancies that are suitable for them.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “If you are aged 16 to 24 and claiming Universal Credit you should get in touch with your work coach now to make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity. This is hands-on work experience in real work places that could greatly improve your employability skills and long-term employment goals.

“Young people have been particularly hard hit by the economic impacts of the pandemic and as Bradford has the youngest population in the country it is essential that as a council we do all we can to help young people into work. It is a crucial part of our Covid-19 recovery.

“It is encouraging that many local businesses have already signed up for the scheme and are offering our young people these valuable opportunities.

"I would encourage any other employers interested in getting involved to email us on kickstart@bradford.gov.uk to learn more.”

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies, MP said: “It’s great to see local organisations across Bradford rally together offering over 700 young people a vital opportunity to gain experience locally in a range of industries, from accounting to community support – importantly boosting their longer term prospects.

“This demonstrates how our Plan for Jobs is creating fresh opportunities across communities and helping people back into work. Vitally we are supporting employers in key growth sectors to recruit, as we push to build back better and level up opportunity across the country.”