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EFL CLUBS AND CLUB COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TO PROVIDE HUNDREDS OF KICKSTART JOBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

18 January 2021

Club News

EFL CLUBS AND CLUB COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TO PROVIDE HUNDREDS OF KICKSTART JOBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

18 January 2021

500 young people will have the opportunity to work at an EFL Club or Club Community Organisation - as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme.

An overwhelming majority of EFL clubs have signed up to offer six-month work placement job roles to young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit.

The aim is to give young people the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace and gain experience to improve their chances of finding long-term work.

Vacancies at clubs and their charitable arms will include business admin, sports coaches, marketing, ground staff, finance, youth work, graphic design, film and photography and HR and data-administration roles. 

Kickstart gives young people the opportunity they need to get their foot on the ladder and a foothold in the world of work.

Nationally, the scheme has already created more than 38,000 vacancies across the UK and received over 4,000 applications from employers. Tens of thousands more jobs are expected in the coming months.

The scheme targets young people who have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19 - with Kickstart focusing on giving them the best-possible chance of getting a job.

Under the scheme, the EFL Trust - the charitable arm of the EFL - will be acting as a gateway provider, bringing together a network of football clubs, community organisations and other partners to provide a wealth of opportunities across the country for the out-of-work youngsters.

Over the past three weeks, the first Kickstarters to take roles within EFL clubs have come into post.

Maklin Doherty has joined Luton Town's Community Trust as marketing and communications assistant.

After graduating with a 2:1 degree in graphic and communication design from the University of Leeds in 2019, Maklin found it increasingly difficult to find opportunities during the pandemic and had to apply for Universal Credit. 

He said: "The recruitment process and feedback from the Trust made me feel seen, and revived a level of confidence within myself that has been lacking since the first lockdown began. That barrier I felt existed collapsed before my eyes.

"The recruitment process was efficient and professional, taking only 15 days from making my application to receiving the job offer."

Macklin started his role with the Trust this week and is particularly looking forward to the variety of work in an organisation with its heart in its community.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: "It is great to see the EFL Trust sign up to the Kickstart scheme, to nurture and support so many of our next generation of workers.

"This fantastic commitment will see nearly 500 young people take up a diverse range of roles, from working in finance and HR, to becoming a sports coach or marketing for a major club.

"The Kickstart Scheme gives thousands of young jobseekers a chance to get on the jobs ladder.

"They will gain vital work experience, build a network of contacts and learn the value of earning a wage for themselves - as part of our £30billion Plan for Jobs helping people of all ages into work."

Mike Evans, EFL Trust CEO, added: "This impact of COVID-19 on our young people is clearly very significant and we are delighted to be able to offer opportunities to young people in our communities through the Kickstart programme.

"A key part of our strategy at the EFL Trust is to raise aspirations and realise the potential within our communities and a scheme like Kickstart enables us to have a significant impact on the young people who need out support most right now."


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