JobStart scheme to help young people welcomed by MLA

JobStart scheme to help young people welcomed by MLA

5 May 2021

THE launch of a new government scheme designed to create job opportunities for young people has been welcomed by local politicians.

Department for Communities minister Deirdre Hargey last week launched the £20m JobStart scheme designed to support 16-24 year olds facing additional employment challenges due to the impact of Covid-19.

In addition, the government department has also helped create additional employment opportunities for young people and remove barriers for those seeking employment through the work experience programme and an expanded adviser discretionary fund.

Minister Hargey said the Covid-19 pandemic has had an “unprecedented impact” on the local economy and labour market and that as part of her department’s response, it has addressed the anticipated impacts on young people and those who are ready to be re-employed but need help negotiating the process of finding work.

“This has included creating job opportunities and placements for young people; providing additional payments towards travel or childcare expenses; financial support of up to £1,500 a year to assist in the removal of barriers to employment; and training to help people increase their chances of gaining employment.”

The JobStart scheme is designed to create opportunities for 16-24 year olds by providing positions with employers for a period of six months, increasing to nine months for those who meet additional criteria.

An Opportunity Guarantee strand has been added to The Work Experience Programme (WEP) featuring 13 week placements with the guarantee of an interview for a job or an apprenticeship on completion.

Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong and Downpatrick councillor Dermot Curran have both welcomed the new scheme.

Mrs Armstrong said the scheme was originally due to start last year, arguing that many young people may have missed out as a result of its delayed implementation.

She continued: “The roll-out of this scheme is welcome as it will help young people climb back from the pandemic financially, while giving the economy a boost. I encourage them to apply for it.

“However, it is frustrating it has taken us so long to get to this stage. The rest of the UK benefited from it [the scheme] while Northern Ireland lagged behind which was unacceptable. Something which would be so useful can only lose value as time moves on.”

The MLA said that during the height of lockdown, people under 25 were the most impacted in terms of job losses and went from “expecting a scheme to wondering if one would appear at all,” confirming that she has asked for confirmation that the Department for Communities will ensure opportunities from the JobStart scheme will be made available across Northern Ireland and will not just be concentrated around Belfast.

Cllr Curran said with lockdown restrictions continuing to ease, any move to create job opportunities for young people is particularly welcome as they have a key role to play in future economic success.

“Many young people have bore the brunt of an unparalleled economic situation which has had a massive impact on the province’s economy,” he continued.

“Rebuilding the economy will require access to highly skilled and talented young individuals to enable employers to compete globally and young people, in particular, need to be able to avail of high quality routes into careers.”

Cllr Curran also highlighted the importance of apprenticeship schemes to assist with economic recovery, and, looking forward, believes it is vital that the Newry, Mourne and Down area has access to highly skilled employers as businesses work to recover from the devastating impact of coronavirus.

He said he firmly believes that the enterprise, innovation and entrepreneurship of young people is crucial to the economy.