500 young people will have the opportunity to work in an EFL Club or Club Community Organisation such as WWSET as part of the government’s recently launched Kickstart scheme.
Over 65 EFL Clubs and their associated community charities have signed up to be involved, offering six-month work placement job roles to young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit – with the aim to give young people the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace and to gain experience to improve their chances of finding long-term work.
WWSET are currently advertising for two separate Kickstart roles – an Education Officer and an Office Administrator – with more roles hoping to be announced over the coming months. Across the country vacancies at other clubs and their charitable arms include business admin, sports coaches, marketing, ground staff, finance, youth work, graphic design, film & photography and HR and data administration roles.
Kickstart gives young people the opportunity they need to get their foot on the employment ladder and a foothold in the world of work. Nationally, the scheme has already created more than 38,000 vacancies across the UK and received over 4,000 applications from employers. Tens of thousands more jobs are expected in the coming months.
The scheme targets young people who have been hit especially hard by Coronavirus and Kickstart focuses on giving them the best possible chance of getting a job.
Head of WWSET Paul Foley said this about our involvement in the scheme:
“WWSET exist in order to ensure that the Wycombe Wanderers Football Club can be of benefit to our local community. One of our four priority areas of activity is concerned with Education & Employability so to be involved with the Kickstart scheme and in a position to be able to offer employment opportunities to local young people at such a challenging time is fantastic.”
Under the scheme, the EFL Trust, the charitable arm of the EFL will be acting as a Gateway provider, bringing together a network of Football Clubs, Community Organisations and other partners, to provide a wealth of opportunities across the country for the out-of-work youngsters.
Over the past 3 weeks, the first “Kickstarters” to take roles within EFL Clubs have come into post.
Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said:
“It’s great to see the EFL Trust sign up to the Kickstart scheme, to nurture and support so many of our next generation of workers. This fantastic commitment will
see nearly 500 young people take up a diverse range of roles, from working in finance and HR, to becoming a sports coach or marketing for a major club.
The Kickstart Scheme gives thousands of young jobseekers a chance to get on the jobs ladder – they’ll gain vital work experience, build a network of contacts and learn the value of earning a wage for themselves – as part of our £30bn Plan for Jobs helping people of all ages into work.”
Mike Evans, CEO, EFL Trust said:
“This impact of COVID-19 on our young people is clearly very significant and we are delighted to be able to offer opportunities to young people in our communities through the Kickstart programme. A key part of our strategy at the EFL Trust is to raise aspirations and realise the potential within our communities and a scheme like Kickstart enables us to have a significant impact on the young people who need our support most right now.”
Note: If you are interested in finding out more about the Kickstart roles being offered by WWSET please speak to your Jobcentre Plus Work Coach.
