FEA partnered with another trade association BHETA (The British Home Enhancement Trade Association) to create a ‘Gateway’. A Kickstart ‘Gateway’ is a method used by smaller employers to club together to achieve the minimum 30 applications that is required to qualify for the Kickstart scheme.
John Whitehouse, chair of FEA, said: “The scheme is a massive opportunity to encourage young people into the foodservice equipment industry. The FEA secretariat has already received applications from several members – if any companies are thinking of applying, then I’d encourage them to do so speedily.
“These are tough times for employers, and tough times for young adults looking to enter the job market. The Kickstart scheme has the potential to make a major contribution to the foodservice equipment industry, both financially and by attracting the young starters we need.”
The Kickstart scheme covers 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week, for six months. It also covers the costs of the employer national insurance contributions and there is an additional £1,500 made available for each job placement.