Anyone used the Kickstart Covid Scheme?

[22]

18-24 year olds at risk of long-term unemployment, 25 hours a week paid for by the government.

I have my first round of interviews tomorrow (at the job centre), looking for a junior business administrator. Anyone who was referred I get to meet for 20 minutes or so (not picked by me). Considering these are young people at risk of long-term unemployment, there are some surprisingly good CVs I've seen. Plus some who probably need a word about Facebook profile pics while job-seeking.

Anyone used the scheme? Success/horror stories?

[DSLiverpool]

I’ve got 2 adverts out now for trainee web manager and trainee social media - interviews are direct with the applicant in my office, I've elected to train them myself and keep the £3k
We’re topping up to 40 hours and paying a bonus.

[voicey]

I have one lad on a placement right now helping out in the workshop. He was a friend of someone who already worked here so finding him wasn't a problem but getting the funding in place was a nightmare - took about 4 months.

The lad is also struggling despite being here for 3 months - he's nearly 21 and never had a job before and it really shows. He's here Tues-Weds-Thurs and I've been trying to get him to do more days but it seems he can't hack it.

Also, I've only received one payment for his wages which is frustrating. Not a big amount of money but the organisation behind the scheme is lacking.

[22]

I was pretty impressed with the candidates I was presented with today. 5 young ladies (plus another no-show) and one young man. Apart from perhaps one, they were all relatively well matched, on paper at least. There are 3 of the ladies who I could quite easily employ (only one role advertised).

Chatting to the job centre staff we may create some extra placements - with the understanding any further roles would be for the 6 months only. The first one I hope we can train someone to be a useful citizen and keep them beyond.

[vulture1]

3 complete wasters from this schTeme. 3 young ish lads who had no social skills or desire to work at all. 1 quit within 3 weeks after being off "sick" 3 times. Other 2 worse than useless. The scheme wanted you to spend hours with them developing them and feedback. If they couldnt hack a supermarket job they will never make it in life.

[Sochaux]

I'm a little confused with the application form if I'm being honest. How do I answer this?

What information do you have to show your job placements are just for the Kickstart Scheme?

[22]

Sochaux said:

I'm a little confused with the application form if I'm being honest. How do I answer this?

What information do you have to show your job placements are just for the Kickstart Scheme?

It was to show you are creating new roles and not planned vacancies. I did something like this...

The new role has been created away from the core business and would not be possible without the kickstart scheme. The grant will support this role and we would like to offer additional hours should the candidate wish to have them.

(I was also advised to set the scene around covid disruptions/furlough/redundancies)

The company made no redundancies during the Coronavirus disruption. We furloughed non-drivers in the first lockdown (as insurers wanted one operative per van), but quickly created safe working bubbles and were able to carry on. Apprentices were paid by the company to continue college work even while furloughed. At the end of last year we decided to furlough 2 employees but quickly realised we had enough work coming in to run at full strength and invited them back. We already have a very successful apprenticeship programme which will continue.
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I got rejected twice filling in the forms like anyone would in business, third time added stacks of needless waffle and got accepted.

[22]

My first deposit from the DWP landed in the bank yesterday (new job commenced last Monday). I just confirmed start date.

I was looking for office help and so far so good.

[Sochaux]

I completed the application form and it was approved first time. I’ve sent the completed forms and job advert over to them, now we wait!