Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) is acting as an approved Kickstart Gateway to help organisations in Dumfries and Galloway to access funding through the Kickstart Scheme.
The scheme encourages employers to create job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit.
Funding covers wage and NI contributions for 25 hours per week for six months. You will also receive up to £1500 for set up and training costs whilst being able to help young people to gain valuable skills and work experience.
The recruitment process is fairly standard, applications are encouraged by DWP work coaches, employers then decide who to interview and if there are suitable candidates, who to employ. There is no obligation to extend the employment after the 6-month period but if things are going well there are other add on funding streams which can help organisations to retain new employees.
The support to employers is free and can be tailored to each individual organisation. Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December this year. They can also top up pay, out of their own pockets, or extend the hours, if they wish.
Kickstart in Dumfries and Galloway is provided through a Gateway Partnership between Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Employability and Skills Service, Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce, Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway and Smart Business Utilities.
Pooling our experience, we are acting as Gateway Organisations and bidding for placements on behalf of Dumfries and Galloway’s businesses and charities. We will also help with skills and training support throughout the six-month placement.
As Gateway Organisations, we will provide the administration and help organise the employability support to enable businesses the opportunity to take part in the scheme, supported by our regional approach.
Gateways are responsible for applying on behalf of businesses and then passing on grant reimbursements for wages during the six-month period of the Kickstart placement, along with any of the initial £1500 payment for set up, employability and training costs which may be incurred as part of the placement.
If you are interested in hearing more about the Kickstart scheme or applying for funding to take on staff members, then please contact Katie Nairn in the first instance on kickstartgateway@tsdg.org.uk for more information or to arrange a chat.