Published: Monday 9 August 2021
More than 50 job placements in Kensington and Chelsea businesses have been filled by young people since February 2021, through the Kickstart Scheme - with more currently under offer.
To date, 53 local businesses are offering 155 approved vacancies in the borough to young people aged 16-24, offering a fantastic mix of varied and interesting opportunities to suit different needs, in small creative young companies – including in tech, the arts, community organisations, architecture, retail, music and film.
Cllr Catherine Faulks, Lead Member for Economy, Employment and Innovation said:
“It’s never been more important for us to support our young people. Through the Kickstart scheme we are seeing the successes of those learning new skills and creating those all-important stepping-stones for their future. Not only that, but it’s clear that our businesses have also found the additional support invaluable as they get back on their feet following the pandemic.”
The Council works with smaller local employers to provide support with applications, funding applications and recruitment as a Kickstart Gateway Intermediary for the scheme. The placements are funded by the Government to cover the cost for training, wages, National Insurance, and pension contributions for the first six months – allowing businesses and organisations and employers to create more local job opportunities.
The scheme also provides an invaluable avenue for businesses in need of support as the pandemic restrictions ease and high streets reopen.
Mala Sarker, Director at The Chelsea Spa, said:
“I am very happy to have three new employees through the Kickstart Scheme. We were in need of helping hands but couldn't afford to employ many people straight after the pandemic crisis. Where the Kickstart scheme gave the opportunities to employ new people and train them to make an experienced workforce. I believe it is our responsibility to support young people to overcome this economic crisis.”
To apply for a Kickstart placement, candidates are referred through the Job Centre Plus, and those who are successful will be given the opportunity to learn and expand their skillset in a safe and local environment through high quality roles that meet national minimum wage. Wraparound employment support is also available to Kensington and Chelsea Kickstarters from Morley College and the Kite Kickstart programme.
Learn more about the Kickstart Scheme. Young people keen to apply for a Kickstart placement should speak to their Job Centre Plus employment coach. To get involved as an employer contact Fiona Low at: [email protected].
See what other Kickstarters and employers have to say about the scheme:
Stuart Woodrow at Portobello Business Centre (PBC):
“PBC has taken on two young Kickstarters this year, our Digital Outreach Officer and our Marketing Intern & Event Organiser. Both are local, have fitted in seamlessly and are already making a difference to our offering. They have exceeded our expectations to such a degree that both have been offered longer hours making them full time for the next few months. PBC are also keen to take a third Kickstarter soon as this scheme has gone so well."
Simone, Director at Simone de Gale Architects:
“I am so pleased to have participated in the Kickstart programme. After a traumatic year of the Covid pandemic, it is such a pleasure to provide real work opportunities for young graduates and see their growth into independent professionals as the country reopens again.”
Kickstarter at Simone De Gale Architects:
“I have been working at Simone de Gale Architects for two months and have already achieved a lot - from writing press releases to redesigning their brochure to taking photos of their various properties. I have been enjoying it immensely.”
Tabassum, Employer, Pink Tea Cafe:
“I have the pleasure of two wonderful first employees thanks to the RBKC gateway and the govt for this wonderful scheme!”
Fulvia Ferrari, Kickstarter at Pink Tea Cafe:
“I'm beyond grateful and lucky to have found Pink Tea Cafe through the kickstart scheme! I love my job and it has helped me to learn, increase my creativity and be more productive working from home during this tough time.”
Sandra Fudala, Kickstarter at Pink Tea Cafe:
“As my first experience at a kickstart placement I have come across a lot of lovely surprises while working for a start-up company. The job comes with a lot of support and opportunities to work across different roles. It has given me a great insight into the industry with great mentoring from the founder.”