PHX accredited to deliver Kickstart training

PHX Training has been selected by the government to help deliver its £2bn jobs scheme for local businesses.

The organisation, which has centres in Blackpool, Preston and Morecambe, has been accredited as a gateway provider of the Kickstart scheme.

The programme provides funding to employers to create new six-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Under the current guidelines, businesses which create fewer than 30 new Kickstart jobs must apply for their funding through a gateway organisation such as PHX Training.

In addition to managing the funding application, PHX Training can also support businesses to complete the administration required and offer extra training help to ensure the job placement can become permanent.

Briony Fawcett, PHX Training managing director, said: "This scheme is a real opportunity for employers across the North West and by using us as a gateway provider we can take care of the whole process. We will complete the applications, apply for the funding and allow owners to take a backseat and concentrate on running their business with an extra pair of hands.

"With the funding covering the majority of an employee’s salary, this really is a win-win situation for employers, who can bring on extra staff without taking on large costs or extra administration."

For each job placement, the government will fund will cover 100 per cent of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, the associated employer National Insurance contributions and the employer’s minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart Scheme funded job.

PHX Training’s offer includes claiming the funding for the 25 hours work per week which is repaid to the business directly, claiming the £1,500 grant, extensive training and support to the Kickstart candidate, specialised tutors and work coaches support, direct links to job centres and support in finding Kickstart candidates.

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