National communications consultancy, BECG, is leading the way in the PR industry’s take up of the new Government’s Kickstart initiative, and supporting unemployed young people unlock their careers in PR and creative communications.
The Government’s scheme provides full funding for six-month work placements for people aged 16 to 24 who are in receipt of Universal Credit.
As well as covering salary and national insurance contributions for employers, the scheme will also provide £1500 in funding to support each employee’s training and development whilst employed by the business. Employers who recruit through the scheme can top these salaries or hours up themselves.
BECG’s support for the scheme comes after the communications consultancy helped to lead its client Communities that Work to secure commitments from the Government – to help create opportunities for young people and the unemployed, in the face of Covid-19. This new kickstart scheme is a key flagship policy of the new Plan for Jobs, and a key part of the Government’s commitment to support the economy through Covid-19.
Showing her support for BECG’s uptake of the scheme, Employment Minister, Mims Davies MP said “Our new Kickstart Scheme is about giving young people at risk of long term unemployment, a key opportunity to gain those all-important skills and first-hand experience so they can progress into thriving careers – which is why it’s fantastic to hear BECG will be putting themselves forward".
.png)
The scheme officially opens for applications from candidates in November 2020, and BECG will be seeking to appoint candidates across a range of roles – including digital, design, PR and Marketing, as well as Government Relations.
.png)
Jennifer Riddell Carpenter, Director at Cavendish Advocacy (part of BECG group) said "Through the Kickstart initiative, PR agencies like ours have a real opportunity to help the next generation open a door into communications. As a company, we can give young people the experience and skills they need to excel, but they’ll in turn give us so much more – a passion and outlook that our industry and community will need to thrive in the future".