Kickstart Scheme

As a social enterprise providing recruitment services, Aspire work with a wide range of employers across a diversity of sectors to help meet their recruitment and retention needs.

From September 2020, we're so pleased to be part of the government's new Kickstart Scheme to create accessible, high-quality 6-month work experience placements for young people aged 16-24, who are unemployed and in receipt of Universal Credit. This scheme will provide people in this age group with valuable experience and, in some cases, their first step on the career ladder of their choice.

Employers will be reimbursed 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week for each work placement, plus their Employer National Insurance contributions. Each employer will also receive £1,500 per job placement to help towards setup costs, support and training needs.

Who can offer a Kickstart placement?

Any employer, regardless of size, can apply for funding. Job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs, and must not:

  • Replace existing or planned vacancies
  • Cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment

The roles applied for must be:

  • A minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months
  • Paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group
  • Should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement

How can Aspire help?

As a registered gateway organisation, Aspire is here to support employers who are offering fewer than 30 vacancies. Aspire can offer in-work support packages and guidance to develop bespoke, role-relevant training and upskilling packages for young people embarking on placements through the Kickstart Scheme.

Get in touch

For more information about placements through the Kickstart Scheme for young people aged 16-24, contact Emily at [email protected].