More than 150 Bradford-area businesses have been involved in the area’s Kickstart scheme inside September 2020, offering work placements to over 800 young people.
It’s resulted in 70% of the young people being in work within four months of leaving the scheme and provided them with invaluable experience.
The success of the scheme has been built on co-operation between SkillsHouse, the Department for Work and Pensions and the 150 businesses.
At an awards ceremony hosted by SkillsHouse, 11 young people were awarded for their outstanding contribution as nominated by their employer, with special recognition for two local employers for their work in supporting young people on the scheme.
The scheme has been a success nationally with seven out of 10 young people in employment four months after leaving the scheme, as they progress further in the world of work.
Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for Education, Employment and Skills, said: “This award ceremony was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the real positive impact the Kickstart Scheme has had on young people and businesses across the district.
“I would like to personally congratulate everyone who was nominated, the winners and everyone who took the time to nominate. It is great to be able to celebrate everyone’s successes.
“Our young people in the district were among the hardest hit by the pandemic and we are so proud to have supported over 800 young people through the scheme with the council taking on 440 of them. It’s great to see the opportunities Kickstart has given them and this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our partners and local businesses.”
