Communities Minister has seen at first-hand the
benefits of the JobStart programme during a visit to a business
taking part in the scheme.
K9ndergarten, a dog daycare service based in south Belfast, has
used the programme, which is funded by the Department of
Communities, to create a new job opportunity with the
participant already in post.
During the visit, Minister Lyons heard more about the training
and support that is helping people to enter and thrive in the
labour market.
The Minister said: “I am pleased to visit K9ndergarten
and see how JobStart is already creating good quality work
opportunities. This is a prime example of how we are giving
businesses access to motivated people eager to
gain experience that benefits both the participant and the
employer.
“My department aims to support over 1,200 benefit
claimants through this latest phase of JobStart and I would
encourage more employers to sign up as we look to build on this
early success.
“Through this initiative, I am prioritising the provision
of employment support to help people overcome the barriers they
face moving into, retaining and progressing in
employment.”
Since its launch last month, 256 employer applications have been
approved with 352 positions currently on offer through the
Department's JobApplyNI website.
Director of K9ndergarten Gary Hazlett said: “The JobStart scheme
has been great for us because it has helped us grow and develop
the business by bringing new people in and giving us the means to
train them up to a high standard. We have also been able to
retain some employees who came through JobStart and we are
delighted to participate again this year.”
The portal allowing employers to find out more information and to
register for the scheme can be accessed through nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/jobstart.
JobStart opportunities for participants are live on the
Department for Communities' JobApplyNI.com website
with further opportunities set to be made available in the coming
days and weeks.
Notes to editors:
- The new JobStart scheme will allow 1,234 working age benefit
claimants to participate.
- Across the previous JobStart schemes, over 4,000 employer
applications have been approved; more than 3,000 jobseekers
participated on the schemes; with more than 2,000 participants
gaining employment and over 150 moving into education or
training.
- The first JobStart employment scheme was launched as a COVID
response in 2021 to improve the employability and chances of
sustained employment for young people aged 16-24.
- Since the first scheme launched in 2021 the department has
developed additional schemes continually adapting to meet the
changing needs of both employers and jobseekers. Today's launch
sees the widest ranging programme yet, open to claimants of all
ages.
