Kickstart a future for 16-24 year olds

Foundation of Light will play a key role in helping 16-24-year olds with employment opportunities thanks to the Governments Kickstart scheme. Sunderland AFC’s official charity, was chosen for the initiative which will create thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs across the UK, as part of the £2 billion scheme providing funding to create high-quality six-month job placements. Under the scheme, employers will offer young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment, or on Universal Credit a placement, with 25 hours per week and all costs paid for, including salary and employer national insurance contributions.  Foundation of Light will deliver key aspects employability skills via our highly qualified skills team. Linda Hughes, Head of Skills at the Foundation of Light said:  “The Government’s new Kickstart scheme is a fantastic way for businesses to get additional help and staff into your business, whilst also helping young people get into work, gain new experience and skills.

We are pleased to be acting as a gateway organisation, which allows us to play an active part in supporting our regional businesses and applying for funding from the scheme on their behalf.

Employers can spread the start date of job placements up until the end of December 2021 so that it can provide a staggered number of placements during a key time for businesses where cost reduction is paramount. Kickstart roles must be new roles that do not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees, apprentices, or contractors to lose or reduce their employment. Foundation of Light deliver employability programmes; Back on Track and Back in the Game, which gives people aged 16+ the opportunity to gain new skills, qualifications and experience of the world of work across a range of sectors including, health and social care, engineering, construction, hospitality, sport and leisure, ICT/digital and general employability.