Young people aged 16 to 24 on Universal Credit will be able to apply for a number of job vacancies with Durham County Council through an employment scheme.
DurhamWorks has secured up to 92 job placements with the local authority for young people who are currently unemployed.
Run by the council, DurhamWorks offers one-to-one tailored support to 16 to 24-year-olds who are unemployed and claiming Universal Credit, to get them into employment.
The placements have been made available under the government’s Kickstart Scheme, which provides funding to employers to create six-month job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit.
The aim of the scheme is to give young people the chance to build their confidence and skills in the workplace, and to gain experience that will improve their chances of going on to find long-term, sustainable work.
The job placements cover a range of roles in a number of areas including refuse and recycling, administration, gardening, service user support, ICT and welding/fabrication. A finance administration role has already been filled through the scheme.
Young people signed up to Job Centre Plus and DurhamWorks who are claiming Universal Credit will be able to express their interest in the Kickstart vacancies through their Job Centre Plus work coach and on their Universal Credit journal.
Jim Murray, Durham County Council’s head of education and skills, said: “DurhamWorks has up to 92 approved vacancies available for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit.
“The vacancies cover a range of service areas within the council and can be applied for through Job Centre Plus.”
To sign up to DurhamWorks, call 03000 262 930, text ‘Work’ to 60777, or visit durhamworks.info.
Employers interested in applying for the Kickstart scheme can email [email protected] for more information, or visit Kickstart Scheme – GOV.UK.