Five great reasons to join the Kickstart scheme

Could you do with some help around the office?

Would you be open to the idea of taking on an enthusiastic 16–24-year-old and showing them the ropes of a career in fundraising?

And would you like their wages to be paid by the government?

If the answer to these questions is yes, the Kickstart scheme might be for you.

The Kickstart scheme was introduced by the Chancellor in 2020, as part of his ‘Plan for Jobs’ programme. It was designed to help 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit secure good jobs.

The scheme, which is open to employers of all sizes, provides young people with crucial work experience at no risk to the employer. It’s a win-win.

If you’re still unsure, here are five great reasons to become a Kickstart employer.

1. We need more fundraisers 

Fundraisers are in short supply. Join the scheme and you could ignite someone’s passion by introducing them to a career path they might not have considered or have the opportunity to try otherwise.

That’s got to give you a warm fuzzy feeling.

2. It’ll cost you nothing 

The government covers the costs, from the young person’s wages (national minimum wage for up to 25 hours a week, over a six-month period), to Pension and National Insurance contributions.

They’ll even give you £1,500 to train your young employee.

If your apprentice turns out to be a natural, you can keep them on and renegotiate the terms.

3. You get extra support with your projects 

There are never enough hours in the day, right?

Your apprentice can lighten the load by tackling that mountain of tasks you never seem to get around to.

4. You’re offering someone a great opportunity 

It’s not looking great employment-wise for young people unless they want to work in hospitality or retail.

Giving someone a chance to try something new could change their life.

5. There’s no minimum number of placements 

You don’t need to be a big organisation to join the scheme. The ‘minimum of 30 places’ rule was scrapped in 2021. So even if your organisation is small, you can still reap the rewards of the scheme.

What now?

If you think the Kickstart scheme might work for your charity, get in quick, as it’s due to end in December 2021.

There’s a chance it might be extended for another six months, but, despite the likes of the CBI putting pressure on the government, it’s not a done deal.

You can find out more about the scheme and apply here.