The Government has announced a new Kickstart scheme, designed to support organisations and young people deemed at risk of long-term unemployment.
Under the scheme, organisations and PR agencies can create new 6-month job placements for young people aged between 16-24 who are on Universal Credit. The Government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week.
About the placements
The job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme. The Government will pay organisations £1,500 per job placement for the set-up costs, support and training. Kickstart is not an apprenticeship, but participants may move on to a PR apprenticeship at any time during or after their job placement.
The job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs. They must not:
- replace existing or planned vacancies
- cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment
- require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement
The roles you are applying for must be:
- a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months
- paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group
How to apply
The Government requires organisations applying for the scheme to apply for a minimum of thirty job placements in order to qualify for support. However employers can come together to create a collective pool of thirty placements, which can be led by representative body. The PRCA will act as a representative body for the PR industry to enable smaller organisations to take advantage of the scheme.
To apply for the scheme, please complete this form. The deadline for the PRCA's next Kickstart application is Friday, 30th April.
You will need to provide the following information as part of your application:
- the number of placements you would be willing to offer;
- details of the job placements you are proposing and;
- information about the support you plan to offer young people, including information on how you intend to
- support the participant’s efforts to secure long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
- support with CV and interview preparations
- supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork.
PR Apprenticeships
The Government also recently announced new cash incentives of up to £2,000 for organisations hiring apprentices. The PRCA is the sole-provider of the PR Apprenticeship programme, which offers aspiring practitioners from all backgrounds the opportunity to work full-time, while undertaking on-the-job training. Apprentices works for 18-month periods, with 93% progressing to secure permanent employment in PR. Visit our website for further information.
Further information
For further information on the Kickstart scheme and the PRCA's involvement, please contact Koray Camgoz