Kickstarting Careers: How to Join The Kickstart Scheme

What is the Kickstart Scheme you ask me...

Well, not only it's a beam of light after a year of an economic recession, but it is exactly what the UK Games Industry needed. It's a scheme for studios of all sizes, to invest and empower the next generation through government-funded placements!

Too good to be true? I thought so too. But, now and then the universe aligns and things just seem to work in everyone's favor.

I read the small print (because that's my job! Say hi to Into Games' new Careers Lead) so you don't have to. Check below to find out how to participate as a Studio, or a Candidate.

First things first:

What is the Kickstart scheme?

Kickstart is a Government scheme aimed to help support young people back into work after the economic effects of the pandemic. It’s aimed at 16-24-year-olds who are not in education and are currently claiming universal credit. If you hire someone through the scheme, the government will pay their wages for 6 months.

Pretty sweet right? I told you...

And why is UKIE + Into Games taking the lead on this?

The scheme requires that you must be able to provide at a minimum 30 job places as either an individual organisation or as a consortium of organisations in a similar field, with one representative. UKIE is putting itself forward to be that representative for the games sector and run all the associated administration required. 

But why should you apply via Into Games?

Into Games is a youth careers non-profit that works to provide better opportunities into the games sector for underrepresented groups. We have several projects aimed at educating about a career in Games and providing guidance to get things started. And, of course, we will also provide the employability training, required by the Government, so you don't have to worry about it!

Now that we are on the same page, I bet you want to know if you are eligible, right?

You must be a registered company paying your staff via PAYE, the job placements created need to be new roles, and no existing employee, apprentices, or contractors should lose work or have their hours reduced as a result of the Kickstart Scheme.

How does the application process work?

Your job descriptions will be forwarded to the DWP, who will deploy them through regional JobCentre Plus centres. They will forward you, applicants, directly and you will be able to interview them, just like any other position. Once you accept a candidate, as soon as you put them through PAYE, they will be registered on the system and you will be able to claim back their wages.

What's this form you are talking about?

Fine... Someone is in a bit of a hurry, this is the form to apply as a Company.

How long are the placements?

Placements need to be 26 weeks (6 months) in length. You are under no obligation to keep someone on after this period, but if you do, you will not be able to claim back any further wage costs. You can, however, do a second round of hires through the scheme.

How much will the wages be?

UK minimum wage for 25 hours a week, which can be topped by the employer at their discretion. I do recommend raising the salary to the National Living Wage, but it is completely up to you.

Yes, you still have time to participate, no need for FOMO.

New Kickstart Scheme jobs can start up until 31 December 2021!

It all sounds great, but I imagine you need some more information to convince all the 20 relevant departments in your company, I got you.

How do I claim the wages back?

You will need to pay the Kickstart participants through your PAYE system. After the first 3 months of employment, you will be refunded and paid a lump sum by UKIE, the same thing will happen in the following 3 months. There is no major application or process work for this.  

How much will I receive in funding?

1.    Initial payment of ￡900 for set-up costs, support, and training.

2.    Six further payments of the remainder of the funding, paid in arrears, for each Participant.

FYI the DWP will only provide us with funding (NMW for 25hr a week throughout 6 months) when it is satisfied that the Participant has started employment with you.

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If I have convinced you to join the scheme then APPLY HERE

To apply as a candidate, you need to be:

• Aged between 16-24
• Unemployed and claiming Universal Credit (or about to claim Universal Credit)
• Out of Education
• Local To the Studio (for on-site roles)

If you are interested in applying for one of the placements keep an eye on Hitmarker and Work With Indies as the roles will start to go live next week!

Ps.: If your favorite studio is not part of the scheme, this is the perfect time to send them this Article ??