Government funded KickStart scheme

The Welsh Sports Association and our partner Acorn Recruitment have collaborated to offer members the chance to take advantage of the Government’s Kickstart scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity for members to increase capacity during challenging times, whilst also helping kickstart the careers of young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment.                          

Successful applicants can receive funding for six month work placements for 16-24 year olds currently claiming Universal Credit. Funding will cover the relevant national minimum wage for 25 hours per week for each job, including National Insurance and pension contributions.

There will also be funding available to support the young people to develop new skills and help them to move in to sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart job. This support will be offered by Acorn and the WSA, and will not impact or interfere with the participants’ time working. There is of course nothing preventing members from taking on the participants at the end of the placement!

Funding is not limited to any specific type of roles. Whatever members’ needs may be, the scheme will offer access to a large talent pool of young people with potential, ready for an opportunity.  Based on the numbers, role descriptions and person specifications provided by members – Acorn will make an application for funding and return a shortlist of suitable candidates for selection and interview.   

As well as the attractive wage contributions, the scheme offers numerous potential benefits. Such as;  

• Simplicity and Savings – Much of the associated work and costs, including the application admin; recruitment; and the drawing down of funds, will be dealt with by Acorn Recruitment as the Gateway Organisation.  
• Flexibility – Upon a successful application for funds, there is a twelve month window in which the placement can take place.  
• Productivity – As with apprenticeships, the introduction of diverse and motivated employees has been proven to have a hugely positive impact on an organisation and its workforce. 
• Future – An opportunity to develop and nurture the next generation working in sport and leisure, some of whom will hopefully become future leaders within the sector! 

Funding is granted for the purpose of providing new jobs. However, it is important to note that those jobs cannot replace existing or planned vacancies; or cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose work or reduce their working hours. 

The scheme is currently open to applications until December 2021 – having been extended from the original closing date of March 2021. Members wishing to find out more can visit the dedicated Acorn webpage where they can register their interest and ask any initial questions they may have about the scheme.  A member of the team will get back in touch shortly after to discuss and gather all of the necessary information before proceeding to submit an application.