Leading Cumbrian training provider PHXTraining has sent a message to employers in the region “We can help you to take advantage of the new £2billion government Kickstart Scheme”

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create new six-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Any business wishing to apply will need to create 30 new roles to apply directly, and as an expert in its field PHX Training can take the lead in submitting the application as a representative organisation. In its status as a training provider, PHX Training can also help If that figure falls below 30.

PHX Training managing director Briony Fawcett said: “This scheme is a real opportunity for employers in the region – please don’t be put off by the application process. We can help take care of the groundwork in submitting the application whether you have 30 applicants or not.

“This allows businesses to focus on every-day business needs whilst we pursue their application on their behalf working closely with them.”

For each job placement, funding will cover 100 per cent of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, the associated employer National Insurance contributions and the employer’s minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart Scheme funded job.

PHX Training’s offer includes claiming the funding for the 25 hours work per week which is repaid to the business directly, claiming the £1,500 grant which is repaid directly, extensive training and support to the Kickstart candidate, specialised tutors and work coaches support, direct links to job centres and support in finding Kickstart candidates.

PHX Training delivers government backed initiatives including adult skills, employability, apprenticeships and work based learning. We have extensive experience working alongside DWP, ESFA and Job Centre Plus.

The PHX team of qualified trainers also offers a diverse range of resources including offline, online and face-to-face services at six training centres in Barrow, Carlisle, Workington, Morecambe, Preston and Blackpool.