New Forward initiative helps employers access Kickstart funding

The Forward Trust has launched a new initiative to help employers utilise the government’s Kickstart Scheme.

The Forward Kickstart Programme will help organisations of all sizes across the UK to access Kickstart grants, even if they cannot offer the 30 placements required to qualify.

The government’s Kickstart Scheme provides funding to enable employers to pay employees at the National Minimum Wage rate for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrollment contributions in wages for six months of an individual’s employment. It also offers grants of £1,500 to support their training and development.

The Forward Kickstart Programme offers our employer partners recruitment support (including pre-screening), employability and training support (virtual and blended), and information, advice and guidance and mentoring based on our experience as an employability and skills provider working with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups who are often unemployed.

In line with Forward’s commitment to supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, we will be directly employing Kickstarters. We are also working with employers to help the Kickstarters progress into rewarding, quality roles after completing their placements, including jobs, apprenticeships or setting up a business.

Employers and partners interested in benefiting from the Forward Kickstart Programme should contact Daniel.Cook@forwardtrust.org.uk