400 paid work placements are being offered by Hackney Council in collaboration with local businesses to young people aged 16-24.
The Kickstart Scheme, a government funded nationwide programme, is now working with external businesses to offer paid work placements to young people. To be eligible for the scheme individuals must be in receipt of Universal Credit.
Brittany Alexander, a management trainee at the council, hosted an online session this week to promote the scheme to young residents, informing them about the benefits of joining the programme.
Ms Alexander said “It is a great way to get into the crux of what the council does, and a great opportunity to have paid work experience.” They are due to start in January 2021, lasting up to six months.
The government allocated £2 billion this September on this scheme to support young people into work, fearing that the younger generations will be left behind due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
The scheme also provides a work coach to every successful applicant, who will provide a range of employment support such as giving career guidance and employability training.
Sara Rees, Senior Employer Engagement Officer at the council, said “We will offer you one-to-one sessions as well as group sessions to help you sell yourself to employers as best as you can.”
The paid work placements will offer minimum wage from 8.72 pounds an hour dependent on the age and for up to 25 hours a week.
