Northern Roof Training Groups Get On Board with KickStart

THE GOVERNMENT’S recent launch of the Kickstart initiative has prompted both North West and Yorkshire Roof Training Groups to help members take advantage of the scheme.

The training groups have joined with Gateway organisations, Procure Plus and En:Able Futures to assist their members in the recruitment of new staff.

The objective of Kickstart is to help young people aged from 16-24 and in receipt of Universal Credit, get back into work and boost the UK economy.

Kickstart applications

Although a Kickstart application must be for a minimum of 30 job placements, as it’s unlikely that single employers will be able to provide this number, they can apply for just one individual place (or more), by using an existing Kickstart Gateway.

The Government will fund each kickstart job, paying 100% of National Minimum Wage, National Insurance, and pension contributions for 25 hours a week. Employers will be able to top up this wage, and can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021

Government will also pay employers £1,500 to establish support and training for those on placement, as well as helping to pay for uniforms and other set up costs. More information about Kickstart is available on the GOV.UK website.

Site-Ready Service

Sue Wharton, Group Training Officer for the North West Roof Training Group said, “With this type of support, there’s a golden opportunity to trial individuals who may in due course, prove suitable for further training and upskilling at a time when we are faced with a critical shortage of skilled labour.

“We are all aware that we can no longer rely on family and friends to form the backbone of our sector. An extra bonus for employers is available via Procure Plus as they are providing a ‘site-ready’ service, so those new to construction can take advantage of relevant free training, HSE tests and CSCS Cards.”

Practical Roof Training

Denise Cherry, GTO for Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group is promoting the initiative to 100 group members. The group’s work with En-Able Futures will give the option of offering the Health Safety and Environment Course, CSCS Cards and practical roof training to ensure that young people become knowledgeable and useful on site during the first month. Denise said, “This is a really good offer for companies to recruit young people to support their existing workforce, and potentially take up further learning to become permanent employees.” 

Find out more

Those interested in finding out more about Kickstart funding for young people’s work placements can contact Sue Wharton email: nwrooftraining@gmail.com or Denise Cherry email: denise@yirtg.org.uk