Don't delay - Kickstart your future today!

Young people in Kent and Medway needing a helping hand to get into work are being urged to apply for a potentially life-changing Kickstart placement by Monday 28 February.

More than 3000 16 to 24-year-olds across the county are gaining valuable work experience through the national Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) scheme.

For one Kickstarter, Joccoaa, a placement led to the discovery of a love of working outdoors. For another – Kevin – it was a stepping stone to a role with an employer he had always wanted to work for. For others, such as Lucas, Kickstart has opened the door to gaining vital work experience in a Kent school. For Elyse, a placement has resulted in a permanent position as a Classroom Assistant.

Now the Kent & Medway Employment Task Force, which brings together numerous organisations and MPs to help boost jobs and skills in the county, is raising awareness of the initiative as the application deadline approaches – so more young people at risk of long-term unemployment get the chance to learn and earn.

To be eligible for a placement, candidates must be registered with their local Job Centre, receiving Universal Credit and referred by their Work Coach.

Kent County Council (KCC) is among numerous local employers offering placements in a wide range of areas including business administration, social care and teaching. You can find out more about the roles available with KCC at https://www.kent.gov.uk/jobs/starting-your-career/kickstart-scheme. Potential applicants can also speak to their Work Coach about the various opportunities on offer.

Roger Gough, Leader of KCC and Chair of the Kent & Medway Employment Task Force said: “I am so proud of our young people who are using Kickstart as a springboard for a new start.

“When you are applying for jobs and hearing nothing back, or doing interviews and not landing a role, it can feel as though nothing will ever go right. But there is still time for others to follow Joccoaa’s, Kevin’s, Lucas’ and Elyse’s lead.

“If you are a young person struggling to find a job, please speak to your Work Coach about Kickstart. The scheme has restored confidence and transformed prospects for many. It could do the same for you.”

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show unemployment continues to fall in Kent as the economy recovers from the impact of the pandemic. But youth unemployment remains higher here, at 5.6%, compared to the national average of 5.3%.

Roger Gough added: “To the many organisations and businesses, Job Centres, Work Coaches, Task Force members and partners working hard to make Kickstart a success in Kent and Medway, I say ‘thank you’.

“We all want our young people to realise their potential and achieve their ambitions. You have been, and continue to be, a key part of making that happen.”

For more information about the national Kickstart scheme visit: https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/government-services/kickstart-scheme

And for young people in Kent and Medway starting to think about their future, but don’t qualify for Kickstart, visit the KCC website to learn about the other forms of support available to help begin your work journey: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/college-sixth-form-employment-and-training