You may be aware of the ‘Kickstart Scheme’, a government initiative to create high quality six month work placements for young people.

These positions will be fully funded by the government including National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week, National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. Businesses will have access to a large pool of young people with potential, looking for an opportunity. Further details can be found on the website http://gov.uk/kickstart.

Applications must be for a minimum of 30 placements, companies that don’t have 30 or more placements to offer can partner with other organisations using a Kickstart Representative to reach the minimum number and apply for funding. BJGI are applying to be a Kickstart Representative on behalf of all BATF associations (The Giftware Association, National Association of Jewellers and the Surface Engineering Association).

If you are interested in joining the scheme please complete the Google form via this link  https://forms.gle/EL414i9DAxB8KqaR6 by Monday 12th October. This doesn’t mean that your placement will need to commence immediately, the start date can be anything up to 30^th June 2020.