Adur and Worthing scheme creates dozens of jobs for young people

A Government scheme has opened up more than 50 work placements for young people across Adur and Worthing.
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The Kickstart scheme offers six-month placements to 16 to 24-year-olds who are on Universal Credit or deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment.

Adur and Worthing Councils has become a gateway employer for the scheme and created around 50 openings, in partnership with organisations such as West Sussex Mind, Worthing Homes and ESTEEM.

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Michelle Tomlin-Flack, Kickstart manager for the councils, said: “We are excited to be part of the Kickstart scheme and the recruitment is going well, with seven young people having already started in various roles across the councils.

Michelle Tomlin-Flack with three of the Councils' Kickstart placements, Tabitha Heley (HR Assistant), Jamie Weston (Social Media Assistant) and Alice Wheatley (Engagement Assistant) SUS-210405-164918001Michelle Tomlin-Flack with three of the Councils' Kickstart placements, Tabitha Heley (HR Assistant), Jamie Weston (Social Media Assistant) and Alice Wheatley (Engagement Assistant) SUS-210405-164918001
Michelle Tomlin-Flack with three of the Councils' Kickstart placements, Tabitha Heley (HR Assistant), Jamie Weston (Social Media Assistant) and Alice Wheatley (Engagement Assistant) SUS-210405-164918001

“A Kickstart placement with us, and the organisations we are supporting as a Gateway organisation, will provide young people across the area with the opportunity to gain some experience and develop new skills.

“This will make a real difference to their future employability prospects, as each new starter will have access to a range of training and employment support, to ensure that they have the best chance of gaining employment after their placements.”

The funding available is provided directly to employers, covering 100 per cent of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours of work per week for every job.

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It also covers the employer’s National Insurance contributions and minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

Employers can spread the start date of job placements up until the end of December. Further funding is available for training and support so people on the scheme can get a job in the future.

Sol Chocieszynska has taken up a full-time Creative Content Support Officer role within the Councils’ Communications Team, as part of the scheme.

She said: “This opportunity is good for me because it will give me experience with graphics and communications. Getting started has been a big but exciting change.

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“My role is varied, so I will get to deal with illustration, design, creative thinking, photo editing and many other things. I’m still figuring out what I would like to do in the future, but this work placement gives me the chance to make connections and help communities.”

The Councils’ Housing and Wellbeing Team has welcomed a new young staff member. Tammy Waine, Families and Wellbeing Officer, said: “The kickstart scheme is a great way to get young people the work experience that some employers insist on having when applying for roles.

“Our engagement Kickstart apprentice Alice has dived right in and has brought a different perspective to certain areas of our work. With her background, she is going to be extremely valuable.”

For more information visit the gov.uk website.