The BID worked with Activate Learning (Bracknell & Wokingham College), a registered Gateway Organisation for the Kickstart Scheme, supporting unemployed people aged between 16 and 24 years old who are funded by the government to be employed for 6 months, with the government paying the employer the minimum wage and other payroll costs.
The Kickstart Scheme provided funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes 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.
- An additional grant to cover setup costs and to support the young person to develop their employability skills.
This initiative tied into Objective 2 of the 2020-2025 Business Plan Business growth and investment, which aims to support businesses in Bracknell to grow, develop and invest by creating a great working environment to operate effectively and attract and retain the best people. It ties into Activity 5 Recruitment, training and development (a) Encourage and support relationships between businesses and organisations which seek to improve training, develop skills and assist with staff recruitment.
The BID and Activate Learning hosted a webinar on the Kickstart Scheme, providing information to businesses on Activate Learning’s offer. The webinar can be seen here.
Download the full Participant Offer that provides details of key benefits to your business
Download the Additional Information Required form, for businesses to register their interest
Bracknell BID and Activate Learning Kickstart Gateway Process
If you are interested in giving a young person a chance to get into full funded employment at this difficult time and would like to find out more on the Kickstart Scheme and Activate Learning, you can contact Rebecca Iley or Clive Bate by email at kickstart@activatelearning.ac.uk or 0800 488 0245.