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THE CHALLENGE
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and ensuing lockdowns caused an economic downturn. The Kickstart Scheme was one of the government’s flagship employment programmes, launched at the end of 2020, to create 6-month work placements to help 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit at risk of long-term unemployment.  100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week was funded by the DWP, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.Â
THE OUTCOME
EN:Able Communities began their DWP Kickstart Gateway scheme in January 2021.
Job placements with 18 host employers supported 30 participants (kickstarters) to develop the skills and experience they needed to find permanent work after completing the scheme. 14 went on to permanent employment with their host employer.
Each Kickstarter received six months’ work with a supportive employer and tailored 1 to 1 employability support from an IAG qualified advisor.  EN:Able Communities also supported employers and kickstarters in discussions about their ideal next steps.
Efficiency North supported 5 kickstart placements – three based in Sheffield and two at the Humber Construction Hub. One of the Kickstarters, Curtis Evans, has continued to progress his career with EN:Procure.
I worked as a Communications and Fundraising assistant for the Bishop Simeon Trust, an amazing charity which supports vulnerable children living in the poorest communities of South Africa. My role involved me coming up with different ways to raise money for our important cause and communicating with our lovely supporters.
One of the best things about my placement was being encouraged to be creative, to come up with my own ideas and strategies for reaching proposed fundraising targets. My colleagues were incredibly supportive of me, and I feel really lucky to have their advice and guidance, as well as my employability adviser at EN:Able Communities.
I learnt so much from my Kickstart placement, and it made me feel even more excited and ready for the future.
Isla McRae | Digital Marketing Assistant Kickstarter, Bishop Simeon Trust
HOST EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT
8 young people began their Kickstart journey with Select Energy Services Ltd (SES), supported by director Dan Whitton. Their induction to the business began with essential courses including Level 1 Health and Safety, Abrasive Wheels, Asbestos Awareness, First Aid, Working at Heights and Use of Harness equipment, which was followed by on-site introduction to the preparation of sites, and structures to support the installation of solar panels on large scale commercial properties.
Training continued on site with the 5 learners remaining with the company on a structured development programme that included IPAF, electrical safety and on site installation skills.  Following completion of the Kickstart programme they worked towards an NVQ in Solar Installation in 2022.
Over the first few months the guys developed into a cohesive team, taking responsibility for their jobs and each other, which is really important as they spend most of their time working away. Select Energy Services Ltd are committed to all aspects of sustainability and this extends to supporting the local community. The Kickstart Initiative offered real benefits to young people in Halifax.
Dan Whitton | Company Director, Select Energy Services Ltd
EN:Procure
EN:Able Futures
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EN:Able Communities