The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched the Kickstart Scheme to provide funding to employers to create new six-month job placements for young people aged 16-24.

The scheme is only open to large organisations creating 30 jobs or more, however WCVA will be applying to the scheme on behalf of Welsh voluntary organisations that want to create jobs on a smaller scale.

Voluntary organisations in Wales can now apply through WCVA if they are able to employ new staff members aged between 16-24 who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements must be six months in length and at least 25 hours per week.

For each role created the funding will cover:

• 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week
• the associated employer National Insurance contributions
• employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions

There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart Scheme funded job.

+To submit a request for funding you will need to register with WCVA’s Multipurpose Application Portal (MAP). If you have previously registered with MAP, you can log in by entering your username and password on the home screen.