Unemployed under-25s find Government support could be just the job

RESEARCH shows that more than half of Covid job losses have hit the under-25s.

But there is good news for younger jobseekers, as one Government initiative is giving them a fairer chance by boosting job creation.

Designed to open up avenues for those who would benefit the most, the Kickstart Scheme was launched in September 2020. It provides funds to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

To date, it has helped more than 113,000 young people into work, letting them take that all-important first step on to the career ladder. Getting such an opportunity early on can make a lifelong difference, and these are job chances and work experience that they might not have had without Kickstart.

Young people who are receiving Universal Credit just need to talk to their work coach to get involved. Anyone who’s eligible will be referred to a Kickstart job, and can then apply, getting help with their application if needed.

There are thousands of jobs on offer in a variety of sectors so young people who are suitable for the scheme can find the right role for them. These jobs can lead to a permanent role, so it’s a win-win scenario for jobseekers and employers.

However, those interested in applying need to be quick about getting in touch with their jobcentre work coach because referrals to Kickstart Scheme jobs end on March 1.

“Kickstart is the right scheme at the right time,” says Hugh, 49, who is a Youth Hub work coach in Newcastle. “It’s been a big success. It’s given people the chance to get in work – and to gain the experience, confidence and additional skills they need to continue on their career paths.”

He’s witnessed the benefits of Kickstart, providing a fair start to a young person’s career and sometimes reversing fortunes for young job hunters: “One 20-year-old woman who I got into a sales job through Kickstart is now working with the business full time.”

Certainly for Maddi, it has provided a way into the job of her dreams.

The 22-year-old was already mad about football club AFC Wimbledon, before her dad Vince, 46, spotted Kickstart jobs being advertised on their website.

She’d been on Universal Credit after losing her job of caring for a disabled child who was afraid to leave the house during the pandemic. The sports social club where she worked behind the bar shut down too.

“The whole thing really affected my mental health,” Maddi says. “I kept thinking: why am I not good enough to be working?” Which was not good news since she’d already been diagnosed with anxiety and depression.

Maddi adds: “When you get rejections or no replies day after day, it becomes really awful sending off CVs. Some days I just couldn’t get going.”

She spent six months unemployed, but within weeks of applying through Kickstart, Maddi landed a Kickstart job as community coach at AFC Wimbledon.

“When I walked in and saw the pitch, I thought: I want to work here forever. I was over the moon. I don’t think I stopped crying. My dad didn’t know what to say either – he was speechless.”

Now Maddi teaches football with the AFC Wimbledon Foundation at both mainstream and special needs schools, as well as helping out with mental health initiatives at the club and writing in the match programmes about her experiences.

“I feel so much happier now I’m going to work,” she says. “My confidence has gone up so much, feeling that people trust me and that the people who need my help are getting it.”

The foundation has taken on Maddi as an apprentice while she studies for her Level 4 sports coach qualification.

“The scheme has given me a second home,” says Maddi. “I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d want to be apart from a football stadium.”

AFC Wimbledon Foundation’s community development manager, Fiona, is equally delighted at how things have worked out.

She says: “Maddi has been a pleasure to work with since day one. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her passion is inspiring.

“We’re a charity and don’t have money coming out of our ears, so we wouldn’t have been able to take on Maddi without Kickstart funding. It’s been a great result for everyone concerned.”

‘I was amazed at how quickly Kickstart sorted something out for me’

Someone else who can’t sing the scheme’s praises enough is Katie from Portslade, near Brighton. She’d graduated with a games design degree but couldn’t find work in the industry.

“I thought I was super-employable,” she sighs. “But it’s hard to get a foot in the door and I had no luck.”

Then, at the jobcentre, she found out about Kickstart.

“Before I met my work coach, I just assumed the Government would put me in any old job. In fact, my work coach showed an interest in my degree and skills, and really tried to help me get into what I wanted to do.”

Within a week of enquiring back in May, Katie passed an interview at Into Games, a non-profit organisation that helps people find careers in the games industry.

“I was so lucky. I was taken aback by how quickly the Kickstart Scheme sorted something out for me,” she says. “I’ve learnt so much – how to manage events, how to speak to people from huge game development companies, how to hold meetings…

“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster!”

Katie was originally an administrator but is now working in a project manager role. She has been taken on permanently and hopes to eventually become a game designer.

Into Games chief executive Declan, 37, has employed five Kickstart recruits. “I’ve been really surprised with the quality of candidates,” he says, explaining that the Kickstart Scheme has been a real two-way street.

“We’re a small, young organisation. The scheme has given us the opportunity to grow and increase our productivity, meaning we then had the revenue to take on more people permanently.

“We couldn’t have afforded it before, so the scheme has made a real difference for both Katie and the company.”

Job hunting hints

You need all the help possible to find work when you’re young and unemployed. And that’s exactly what your jobcentre work coach is there to offer. They will have all the details of Kickstart opportunities that are available.

Meanwhile, Youth Hub work coach Hugh has five top tips for finding work.

• Identify your transferable skills – we all have them whether we’ve been employed or not. Think about the different activities you do in your daily life.
• CVs and covering letters are crucial. Make sure they stand out and showcase you. And remember to tailor them to match different job descriptions.
• Expand your job hunt by looking at organisations’ websites. Check social media as well for job adverts.
• Have realistic expectations about the types of job you can do. It will focus your search and save you time.
• Prep for your interview by researching the organisation and dress appropriately – and when in the interview, smile!

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