Kickstart and Apprenticeships – April 2021

Written by
Hospitality Jobs UK

Published
14 May 2021

14 May 2021 • by Hospitality Jobs UK

Recruitment in 2021 is going to be very different from previous years, which means employers are thinking about different ways to recruit and how to attract candidates.

There are a few recruitment initiatives which are currently available to UK businesses. Below is a short overview of each, with links for you to find out more information.

KICKSTART 
Kickstart is a new government funded scheme for employers to create new job opportunities aimed at candidates between 16 to 24 year olds on universal credit, and who are at risk of long-term unemployment. The scheme is available to employers large or small.

 

How to apply

  1. Apply online yourself for a Kickstart Scheme Grant with support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)  
  2. Apply through a Kickstart Gateway Ambassador

What is a Kickstart Gateway Ambassador?
A Kickstart Gateway Ambassador already has a Kickstart Scheme Grant in place with the government. They can support you by adding your details and any job placements/offers you appoint to their Kickstart grant agreement, saving you time and guiding you through the end-to-end process. 

 

Kickstart Gateway Ambassadors will:

  • Gather information about the candidate/job placement you would like to offer.
  • Share this information with DWP on your behalf.
  • Pay the funding to you (for example the young person’s salary).

The advantage of a Kickstart Gateway Ambassador versus the DWP

Both will:

  • Help and guide you through the process, helping you with all the necessary paperwork, making it as simple as possible.
  • Be there for you if you have any questions or problems.

However, the Kickstart Ambassador, depending on who it is, can provide you with continuous training and support or apprenticeship support and opportunities during and after the 6-month period. 

What the Kickstart Gateway Ambassador receive

Kickstart Gateway Ambassadors receive £360 for each job offer/placement to cover their admin costs. These costs are covered by the government.

What you will receive

You will get £1,500 funding per job placement/offer. This should be spent on setup costs and supporting the young person to develop their employability skills, for example, training and employability support (provided by you, a Kickstart Gateway Ambassador, or another provider), IT equipment and software, uniform, or Personal Protective Equipment.

What the funding covers

The funding covers:

 

** Employers can pay a higher wage and for more hours, but the funding will not cover this.

Funding Schedule
The schedule shows when the funding will be sent to either:

  • you if you applied directly through DWP.
  • your gateway (they will then need to pass the funding on to you)

For information on the kickstart Scheme go to the .gov website.

APPRENTICESHIPS

Apprenticeships are available to anyone 16 or over and combines working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job. When your apprentice successfully completes their apprenticeship, they will be awarded a certificate. This is requested by the EPAO from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

Your apprentice:

  • Apprentices can be new or current employees.
  • You must pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage.
  • Be 16 years old or older by the end of the summer holidays.
  • Not be in full-time education.
  • Work enough paid hours each week to undertake sufficient training to achieve their apprenticeship. This is based on the minimum duration of each apprenticeship on an apprentice working 30 paid hours a week or more. This includes any ‘off-the-job’ training they do.

Your apprentice must:

  • Work with experienced staff.
  • Learn job-specific skills.
  • Get time for training or study during their working week (at least 20% of their normal working hours).

 

How to hire an apprentice
The best way to find an industry specific training provider - Either through the government website or one of the Hospitalities leading industry apprenticeship providers HIT Training.

 

How long does the apprenticeship last?
Apprenticeships must last for at least a year. They can last up to 5 years depending on the level the apprentice is studying.

 

What you can claim
You can claim for an incentive payment for hiring a new apprentice who join your organisation.

To find out further information on Apprenticeship  
Go to the government website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-take-on-an-apprentice or contact the National Apprenticeship Service for more information on: National Apprenticeship Service - Telephone: 0800 015 0600 (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm) or contact HIT Training on 0800 093 5892 or complete an enquiry form.

Source of information Hospitality Jobs UK - The job board advertising specialist for the Hospitality industry.