Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce (DACC) local businesses to create 114 job placements for young people looking for the next step on the job ladder.

Following the awarding of funding totalling nearly £900,000, the Chamber will help firms bring an army of young people into quality paid work placements which will see young people gain valuable experience, training and life changing support.

Employers signing up via the Chamber Gateway are offering a wide range of roles, from catering and property maintenance, to finance, digital marketing, football coaching, gardening, animator and e-bike mechanic.

There IS a role for every young person who needs this vital help at a time when they are being adversely affected by unemployment during this crisis.

DACC has brought three Kickstart administrators into the organisation to work on key projects for the next six month: Amber Farquhar joins the International team to work on a new e-learning programme to help businesses upskill their staff around customs, importing and exporting. Gemma McGregor joins the Kickstart team to deliver administrative services and wrap-around support for all the Kickstart candidates and employers, and Gemma Blackie is working alongside the Chamber CEO to deliver strategic & leadership support.

Alison Henderson, Chamber CEO said “I’m very proud of my colleagues and all of the employers who have stepped up to support so many young people go from unemployment to gaining quality work experience. We’ll be working with the employers to see how many new jobs will be created and how these young people can transition into the roles. We’re also ensuring that the young people receive lots of training and career guidance to help them achieve their work goals, putting them at the heart of this programme.”

There’s still plenty of time for employers to apply for funding from DWP via the Chamber.

Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:

  • 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
  • associated employer National Insurance contributions
  • employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions

Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021. Further funding is available for training and support so that young people on the scheme can get a job in the future.