Young people from across Southwark borough left an Employment event with new jobs this week after signing up to the government’s new Kickstart scheme.
Southwark College hosted the Kickstart Job Fair with the Department for Work and Pensions to help link young people to local employers who had signed up to the Kickstart Scheme, including local companies such as Millwall Community Trust, Mama Dolce and Paycheck.
Kickstart was introduced by the government to support 16- to 24-year-olds into employment while gaining the work experience and qualifications they need to start their career. Employers participating in the scheme receive funding to create jobs for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.
Annette Cast, Principal of Southwark College, said: “The Kickstart scheme is an exciting initiative that can help with London’s economic recovery while helping link local employers with young talent. As one of London’s top colleges, we work closely with businesses to help them make the most of the government’s Kickstart Scheme and support young people into employment to help them boost their skillset and achieve their potential.”
Josephine Sheenan, Kickstart District Account Manager at the Department for Work and Pensions said: “The Kickstart Scheme is an excellent way for young people to build their skills, boost their CV and try a different sector or role that they never thought was available to them. It’s wonderful to see young people take their first step into their chosen career and we look forward to organising more events with Southwark College to help people kickstart their career in the future.”
Jane Visram, the founder of Mama Dolce, said: “At Mama Dolce, we’re passionate about the social impact of our business and how we can provide opportunities for our community. We are honoured to be a part of the Kickstart Jobs Fair at the employability hub at the College, and we are excited to watch our Kickstart employees build their skills and progress in their careers.”
John Scarborough, Employment and Education Manager at Millwall Community Trust, said: “Gaining work experience is key to unlocking your dream career and this scheme is a great way for young people to gain skills and network with key contacts in the industry. We are proud to be part of the Kickstart opportunity and to help bridge the gap between education and the working world.”
Kickstart is part of the government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ and aims to create new, fully funded jobs across England, Scotland and Wales. To find out more about how you can access the Kickstart scheme or other support available to employers at Southwark College, visit southwark.ac.uk/employers
