Join the local businesses making a difference to young people here in Gloucestershire through the government’s Kickstart Scheme

Local businesses have answered the call to action from Gloucestershire College to provide almost 200 Kickstart Scheme placements for young people across the county. Successful placements are underway but more employers are still encouraged to step forward.

Gloucestershire College is looking for businesses of all sizes and sectors to provide six-month work placements for young people aged 16-24-years-old.

The government will cover the wage and expenses associated with providing the placement, all employers have to do is provide the opportunity.

Gloucestershire College is calling for employers in Hospitality, Warehouse, Ground Maintenance, Labouring and Landscaping in particular to get involved due to demand but welcomes all businesses to apply.

Amie Nutbrown, Head of Commercial at Gloucestershire College, commented: “As the academic year draws to a close, school leavers are thinking about their career options and university graduates are looking to land their first job. Now is the time for businesses to back local talent here in the county and provide opportunities for the next generation.”

The Kickstart Scheme is a win-win for both young people and businesses. The trainee will gain invaluable work experience helping them to get their first permanent job or decide on their career direction, whilst employers gain an enthusiastic, motivated young person for a six-month placement, bringing diversity and new ideas to their team.

Amie continued: “For young people stuck in the Catch-22 of needing a job to get experience, but needing experience in order to get a job, the Kickstart Scheme provides the ideal solution. The hope is after the Kickstart placement concludes, employers may offer a full-time position or an apprenticeship allowing the young person to build a successful career within their company. If employment cannot continue, the young person will still have gained invaluable transferable skills and the all-important paid work experience to help them land a new job elsewhere. At Gloucestershire College, we will support both employers and the young people before, during and after their placement.”

As part of the scheme, Gloucestershire College is providing all participants with a Kickstart training programme. The unique Kickstart training package will see participants gain personal, social and vocational skills to prepare them for employment. This additional training provided by Gloucestershire College combined with the six-month work placement will have a lasting, meaningful impact on the young person’s future.

To get involved in the Kickstart Scheme, please register your interest via the contact form on Gloucestershire College’s website: www.gloscol.ac.uk/kickstart

Young people interested in applying for a role should email Rob Watkins, Learner Recruitment Coordinator: robert.watkins@gloscol.ac.uk. Live Kickstart opportunities can be viewed on Gloucestershire College’s website: www.gloscol.ac.uk/kickstart-opportunities.