Take advantage of the 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. The scheme is currently available until December 2021 – having been extended from the original closing date of March 2021.
The Kickstart scheme offers an opportunity for WSA members to increase capacity. The Kickstart scheme is a government initiative that provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. Employers that join the Kickstart scheme can apply for funding which covers:
- 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
- associated employer National Insurance contributions
- minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions
The Welsh Sports Association is an organisation that has benefited from this Kickstart funding, and has recently added two new recruits to the WSA team as a result of the scheme.
Jake Kinder, who recently graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University, says the scheme has offered him an extra helping hand through the pandemic.
Opportunities were few and far between due to the Covid-19 pandemic, fortunately the WSA had engaged with the Kickstart Scheme offering a few positions for graduates. I have a passion for sport development, meaning the WSA seemed like an ideal fit.
So far, it has been an enjoyable experience to be a part of the WSA team. My co-workers are friendly and approachable whilst still being driven towards their goals. The organisation has set me up with my own accounts, provided a work laptop and have allocated me some genuine responsibilities.
Another of the WSA new starters, Daniel Fletcher, also believes the scheme can be invaluable to young people:
I knew finding a job would not be easy, especially in a pandemic, but Kickstart has so many opportunities for people my age to get their name out there. Not only does it provide you with employment, but it also trains you to become a better employee. The training sessions they provide, as well as the partnering app help to push you and learn skills that will benefit you in your career.
WSA members wishing to take advantage of the scheme before the deadline, can find out more and can register an interest via the dedicated Acorn webpage here.
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