Two special events are being launched on social media to help 16-24 year olds across North Derbyshire gain valuable work experience through the Kickstart government scheme.
Launching on 28 June and 12 July at 10 am, the two events will be hosted by North East Derbyshire District Council in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and Bolsover District Council. The event will take place across social media channels and Kickstart opportunities will be promoted on the hashtag #KickstartDerbyshire.
The scheme, launched in late 2020 by the government, gives 16-24 year olds claiming Universal Credit the opportunity to gain valuable experience in paid work with the companies offering the vacancies – of which there are almost 2000 across Derbyshire.
The six month Kickstart placements will be paid minimum wage and there are opportunities in sectors such as digital media, nursing, construction, trades, project management to name a few.
North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet member for Economic Development Councillor Carolyn Renwick said, “The council is proud to help promote these incredible opportunities that are available for the young adults in our district.
“At a time when unemployment rates amongst this age group is high due to the pandemic, these Kickstart opportunities are an incredible chance to get a foothold into paid work and could be the start of your future career.
“There are almost 2000 opportunities available in Derbyshire alone and the need to help our residents who are looking for work has never been greater.
“The online events will be a great platform to promote the vacancies to our communities and further help and advice is on offer from our Economic Development team and local job centres”.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Kickstart offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to increase their experience in the workplace which will help them develop new skills and build a career. Young people have been seriously affected by the ongoing pandemic and it is important that we offer them the help they need to build a successful future in our area.
“We’re proud to be working together with our colleagues in North East Derbyshire District Council and Bolsover District Council to promote these opportunities because youth unemployment is a growing concern across all of Northern Derbyshire and we must work together to tackle this.
“By promoting these online we are hoping to reach a wide audience and show the range of opportunities available in our area, as well offering further advice as needed. I’d encourage any young person currently looking for work to look closely at these opportunities and apply for them because you never know where it may lead.”
Bolsover District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development Councillor Liz Smyth said: “Helping young people find work is an essential part of supporting our local economy. The pandemic has caused this age group disproportionate hardship in the job market and Bolsover District Council is pleased to support this scheme and give young people the support they need.”
Angela Stansfield, of Jobcentre Plus, said: “We are delighted to be working with the local authority on these events to help promote the fabulous range of jobs available through the Kickstart scheme. They give young people a golden opportunity to move into employment, some for the first time, while boosting their confidence and gaining new skills for the future”.
To apply for any of the vacancies promoted at the upcoming events, interested parties should contact their Job Centre Work Coach.
