What is the Kickstart Scheme?

Available throughout the UK, the Kickstart Scheme provides funding for employers to create new six-month job placements for young people aged 16 to 24 who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

The scheme will run until December 2021 and employers of all sizes can apply for funding, which covers:

  • 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week for a total of six months. GTG receives the placement wages (one month in arrears) and is responsible for paying them directly to the young person.
  • The associated employer’s National Insurance contributions.
  • The employer’s minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

How does is work?

  1. The employer contacts GTG with information about the job placement opportunities that they have available. Employers can have more than one placement.
  2. GTG Training acts as an intermediary (gateway organisation) between the company and the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) and submits an application for a job placement.
  3. The DWP liaises with eligible young people to advise them of the opportunities available.
  4. The DWP liaises directly with the employer.
  5. The DWP will arrange interviews with the employer and will send between five and eight young people to the employer for interview.
  6. GTG can facilitate training for other companies or Gateway Organisations.

Job placement criteria

Any job placements created by the Kickstart Scheme must be new jobs and follow this criteria:

  • Be a minimum of 25 hours per week, for six months
  • Pay at least the National Minimum Wage
  • Only require basic training
  • Must not replace existing or planned vacancies.
  • Should not cause existing employees to lose or reduce their employment.

Each young person receives funding of £1500 to be used to help them become more employable. GTG will work with the employer to identify which additional training the young person will require (e.g. forklift training, employability skills such as CV writing, health and safety etc.)

To apply for the Kickstart Scheme with GTG Training, please send us an email and our team will be in touch as soon as possible. 

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