Kickstart is a government programme giving unemployed young people aged 16 to 24 on Universal Credit the chance to take the first step towards building a career.

Meet Harvey, who is part of the Kickstart team at Ealing Council. Watch the video to find out what he has to say about his Kickstart placement.

Finding out about Kickstart

“I first heard about the Kickstart programme when I was trying to look for employment last year. I emailed my caseworker at Ealing Council. When I saw the opportunity that came up in about February-early March for the Kickstart role, I told to myself I should apply for that.

“My role is community engagement messenger, which also linked to the public health team at the council. What that means is that I go around to different schools and talk to young people about public health, mental health, the vaccination programme and how the covid pandemic has impacted them. I also deliver different workshops to do with mental health and body shaming.”

Harvey’s Kickstart placement

Harvey says:

“My Kickstart placement? I’m absolutely loving it. It’s been brilliant two months (at the time of the video filming Harvey has been working at the council for two months). I get to keep it for another four months. I’ve been enjoying it so far. It’s been a great experience.”

“I’d recommend young people to take part in the Kickstart programme. It’s an easier way to get into employment without having to worry because the Kickstart scheme will train you and will help you over six months, so that you are ready to be employed after the six months.”

Welcoming young people

Ealing Council is a Kickstart employer, already having 14 young people working for us. They all are not only getting paid National Minimum or National Living Wage (depending on their age), but also receiving employment support and mentoring each week, as part of their role.

We are currently recruiting for another group of young people to work for us for the following roles:

• Contract administrator, commercial development team
• Ealing adult learning (now Learn Ealing) customer service agent
• Administrative assistant – family information service
• Special educational needs support assistant, Greenfields Children’s Centre
• Youth engagement officer, Hanwell Zoo
• Older adults support assistant, Michael Flanders Resource Centre
• Peer engager, Young Ealing safeguarding team
• Peer community engagement messenger, Young Ealing safeguarding and public health teams – focus on Acton, Northolt and Greenford or Southall
• Two support assistants, Short Breaks Respite Service
• Support worker, youth service
• Duke of Edinburgh support worker, youth service
• Business support assistant, children, adults and public health
• Support assistant, planning and resources service
• Administrative assistant/support officer, repairs and adaptation service.

If you are 16-24, out of work and claiming Universal Credit and would like to join our team and make a difference to Ealing and people living here, speak to your Jobcentre Plus work coach to apply as soon as possible, as roles are filling fast.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for decent living incomes comments:

“It’s been wonderful to have talented young people like Harvey working at the council. The Kickstart programme has been a great opportunity for us to support young, out of work residents with valuable work experience and we’re looking to help even more take that first step in their careers.

“As you can see there is a great range of roles you can apply for. I’d urge you to pick a role you are interested in, speak to your Jobcentre Plus work coach and apply as soon as you can.”

Supporting local employers to give young people a chance

Paving the way for a better future for young people doesn’t stop here. We are also a gateway organisation, which means that we are encouraging and helping local employers to set up Kickstart placements and make applications to the Department for Work and Pensions on their behalf.

Are you a local employer in need of talented young people? The government is covering the salaries of young people, taking part in the scheme, for up to 25 hours a week for six months, plus employer National Insurance contributions. Watch how a local employer, Cultivate London, has benefited from hiring young people as part of the Kickstart scheme. Get in touch with our Kickstart team on kickstart@ealing.gov.uk. We will be happy to help you recruit local motivated staff while you will be providing someone with the chance to build a better future.