Incubated by charity and social business Catch22, we brought together purposeful employers and young people for Kickstart placements with a difference.
Kickstart offered 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment a six months paid placement for 25 hours a week, and a salary at the National Minimum Wage or higher (age dependent). The programme closed to new applicants on 31 March 2022.
Up to 5 hours a week
Up to 5 hours a week
Took care of the administrative pain of bidding and engaging with government
Managed referrals and onboarding so that organisations interviewed the right candidates for them
Provided wraparound support and skills training to young people while on placement
Offered volunteering opportunities to every young person so they could gain leadership skills
Supported progression for young people through guaranteed interviews and jobs fayres
There was also up to an additional £500 for organisations to apply for to support the set up of placements.