Kickstart Scheme in Brent


The Kickstart Scheme is part of a £2 billion national programme to create quality 6-month work placements for young people aged 16-24, who are claiming Universal Credit.

The Government will fully fund each ‘Kickstart’ job – paying 100% of the National Living Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also up to £1500 of funding available for setup costs, support and training.

Employers of all sizes and across all sectors who are able to create quality jobs for young people can apply, either directly or via a Gateway organisation.

Brent Works, on behalf of Brent Council, are now on the list of DWP approved Gateway organisations which help local employers access the scheme. They also provide wrap around employability support for the young person, which is a key element of this scheme to ensure progress into other opportunities at the end of the work placement.

In the context of Covid, there is an increasing demand to create employment opportunities to prevent long gaps in employment for young people, which can make finding future work increasingly challenging and can also have negative health impacts. The programme of employability support and career advice for the young person offered by Brent Works helps develop the young person’s confidence and core workplace skills, which will give them a stronger chance of progressing into employment at the end of the 6 months.

To date Brent Works has been approved to support over 40 local business create over 150 placements across the borough between March to December 2021. This include roles such as Creative Arts Administrator, Pharmacy Assistant as well as Crew Member and IT Technician.

Please be aware that the application to placement process for the scheme can take between 3 - 6 months. The Brent Works Team will be able to advise you throughout the process.

To apply as a Kickstart Employer or for information please contact the Brent Works team via email - Brent.works@brent.gov.uk or call 0208 937 6295.