500 young people will have the opportunity to work in an EFL Club or Club Community Organisation as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme.
Over 65 EFL Clubs have signed up to be involved, including
Sunderland AFC and their official charity, Foundation of Light, offering six-month work placement jobs roles to young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit - with the aim to give young people the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace and to gain experience to improve their chances of finding long-term work.
Vacancies at Clubs and their charitable arms will include business admin, sports coaches, marketing, ground staff, finance, youth work, graphic design, film & photography and HR and data administration roles
Kickstart gives young people the opportunity they need to get their foot on the ladder and a foothold in the world of work. Nationally, the scheme has already created more than 38,000 vacancies across the UK and received over 4,000 applications from employers. Tens of thousands more jobs are expected in the coming months.
The scheme targets young people who have been hit especially hard by Coronavirus and Kickstart focuses on giving them the best possible chance of getting a job.
Under the scheme, the
EFL Trust, the charitable arm of the
EFL will be acting as a Gateway provider, bringing together a network of Football Clubs, Community Organisations and other partners, to provide a wealth of opportunities across the country for the out-of-work youngsters.
Over the past three weeks, the first Kickstarters to take roles within EFL Clubs have come into post.
Maklin Doherty has joined Luton Town Football Club's Community Trust as Marketing and Communications Assistant. After graduating with a 2:1 degree in Graphic and Communication Design from the University of Leeds in 2019, Maklin found it increasingly difficult to find opportunities during the pandemic and had to apply for Universal Credit.
Macklin said: “The recruitment process and feedback from the Trust made me feel seen and revived a level of confidence within myself that has been lacking since the first lockdown began. That barriers I felt existed collapsed before my eyes.
“The recruitment process was efficient and professional, taking only 15 days from making my application to receiving the job offer.”
Macklin started his role with the Trust this week and is particularly looking forward to the variety of work in an organisation with its heart in its community.
Henry Whitaker, 22, has joined Harrogate Town, also in a communications role, directly supporting the Media manager at the Club. Henry has always wanted to work within football and as a result was volunteering at the Club to gain experience to assist him with job applications. Henry has already experienced announcing a new player at the Club and is very excited for the future.
Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “It’s great to see the EFL Trust sign up to the Kickstart scheme, to nurture and support so many of our next generation of workers. This fantastic commitment will see nearly 500 young people take up a diverse range of roles, from working in finance and HR, to becoming a sports coach or marketing for a major club.
“The Kickstart Scheme gives thousands of young jobseekers a chance to get on the jobs ladder – they’ll gain vital work experience, build a network of contacts and learn the value of earning a wage for themselves – as part of our £30bn Plan for Jobs helping people of all ages into work.”
Mike Evans, CEO, EFL Trust said: “This impact of COVID-19 on our young people is clearly very significant and we are delighted to be able to offer opportunities to young people in our communities through the Kickstart programme. A key part of our strategy at the EFL Trust is to raise aspirations and realise the potential within our communities and a scheme like Kickstart enables us to have a significant impact on the young people who need out support most right now.”
Adrian Tallon, Head of Education and Employability, EFL Trust added: “We have a wide range of opportunities in terms of job roles and have a strong commitment to training and development for young people. The scheme will offer an important step to begin careers and build key life skills.”
