Kickstart Scheme

The Kickstart Scheme is a Government initiative to create new 6-month job placements for 16-24 year olds who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements will support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.  The scheme is available for employers to apply until December 2021.

Up to date information from the government is available here.

Funding for each job placement

Funding is available following a successful application process and covers:

  • 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week
  • the associated employer National Insurance contributions
  • employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
  • £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

Who does Somerset County Council gateway represent

Somerset County Council is acting as the Kickstart Gateway for the public sector and their suppliers.  Non public sector Somerset businesses can find alternative gateway representatives via the Government list.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've put together this FAQ document to answer all the questions you may have about the scheme Frequently Asked Questions

Training Support Providers

 

Work as a brokerage to training resources available some of which is free and are specialists within Somerset at supporting Young People to access employment.      Find out More >

 

 Kickstart work placements are eligible for this funded training alongside your workforce*. This must be led by the employer as the programme aims to look at skills needs across your workforce.  *subject to eligibility.       FIND OUT MORE

 
 

Apply here

If you would like to apply via Somerset County Council simply complete the following form. 

Please note it is currently taking the DWP at least a month for the processing of an application form.

Please correct the errors and try again.
Company Details
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Company House Registration Number
Partnerships and sole traders are unable to access this scheme.
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Contacts Full name
First and Surname
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Type of roles offered and numbers of each
E.g. 1 x Administrative Assistant, 2 x IT Support Technician
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In 400 words describe all the wrap around support provided by the £1500
Skill Up Somerset can help you sort this
Terms and Conditions
  • The kickstart job roles you are applying for must be: a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months, paying at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group, paying the statutory employer duties for the health, safety and welfare for young people, National Insurance and pension contributions and should require only basic training before they begin the job placement.
  • The job placements created and funded with the Kickstart scheme grant must be new jobs, they must not: replace existing or planned vacancies, cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment.
  • Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including: support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals support with CV and interview preparations supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork.

Your organisation:

  • has the legal authority to participate in the Kickstart Scheme, is financially solvent and has not been the subject of any judgement for fraud, corruption or illegal activity
  • understands an application does not in any way signify eligibility for Kickstart Scheme funding or confirm that a grant will be approved or provided
  • consents for your data to be held and used by Somerset County Council in relation to the Kickstart scheme

Once Somerset County Council have over 30 EOI's we will contact you to clarify any further details required by the scheme.  Please note it takes at least a month to process an application with the DWP

  • Please confirm you understand and agree to the above*
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