OVER 100 young people have already started paid work placements across the district through the government’s Kickstart scheme and hundreds more are soon to join them.

Kickstart was set up to get young people, aged 16 – 24 years, on Universal Credit back into employment.

The scheme gives the young people six months paid work experience, funded by the government, to improve their chances of finding a permanent job.

SkillsHouse, which is part of Bradford Council, is acting as a gateway for local businesses, helping them access funding and providing training and support during the placement.

SkillsHouse has found placements for 110 young people so far and have hundreds more roles going through the recruitment process meaning many more unemployed young people will enter the workplace over the coming months.

Placements are available in locations across the district and in a wide variety of roles including manufacturing, sales, hospitality, bookkeeping, gardening and youth work.

Bradford joins ‘kickstart’ scheme to get young people back into work

Young people interested in applying for a placement should 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: “Sadly, young workers have been hit hard by rising unemployment during the Covid pandemic and this is a particular concern for us in Bradford as we have the youngest population in the county.

“We are determined to do all we can to create opportunities for our young people to help them get into the workplace and flourish.

“Kickstart has a vital role to play in that ambition and it is great to see SkillsHouse successfully working with local employers to bring in young talent for these placements.

“This is valuable hands-on work experience in real work places that will help improve young people’s employability skills, enhance their CV and help them achieve their long-term employment goals.”

Any employers interested in joining the Kickstart scheme can find out more by emailing kickstart@bradford.gov.uk or calling 01274 437373.

Anyone aged 16 to 24 and claiming Universal Credit should speak to their Work Coach to find out about the opportunities available to them.

Kickstart placements are among a range of opportunities, activities and support services Bradford Council is providing to out of work young adults in the district as part of its Future Boost offer.

For information contact futureboost@bradford.gov.uk or go to https://www.skillshouseyouth.co.uk/Future-Boost