As part of the government's new Kickstart scheme, Gloucestershire County Council has brought together employers from all sectors to offer over 300 job opportunities to 16 to 24 year olds across the county.

Opportunities have been pledged by over 50 employers. There are nearly 80 placements available within the council itself, with a range of options including admin work, construction, marketing, social media, production, hospitality and retail.

The Kickstart scheme offers six month paid placements to young people who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment.

In Gloucestershire, placements are supported by the council's Adult Education and Forwards Employment teams. The placements are designed to give young people the chance to gain real experience and develop their employability skills, with full training to help them develop and progress into full-time paid jobs once their placement finishes.

The intention is not to fill existing vacancies, but to create new opportunities at a time when it is becoming increasingly difficult for young people with no past work experience to enter the jobs market.

Placements are 25 hours per week for six months and paid at the national minimum wage.

Liam, a young person who has been unsuccessful in trying to enter the jobs market, said: "As someone who has applied for over 10 different jobs without even getting to the interview stage, a scheme to have a role that suits me would fit me so well. It would give me the chance to gain the experience needed to finally get on the career ladder and fulfil the potential I believe I have.

"It would also allow me to get the confidence I really need to know that I can succeed in any given role. It would give me the opportunity to get started on the career path and move to the next stage of my life".

Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member with responsibility for supporting young people into employment, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has made things really difficult for young people who are looking for their first job, or who have lost their job due to the pandemic.

"We're committed to ensuring that every young person has the chance to build a future and we are proud to be part of this scheme which will allow us and our employer partners to take an active role in rebuilding our local economy.

"Young people are the future of the county and it is more important than ever that we invest in and support them to develop the skills our employers need to help Gloucestershire recover and prosper."

For more information about the scheme click here , or email kickstart@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

If you are an employer and would like to find out more about the scheme, click here.  Employers are reimbursed with the full employment cost, plus a £1500 grant to support training and development.