Led jointly by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), 400 young people will receive real industry experience and a wage during their six-month job placement.
Ian Wright, chief executive of FDF, said: “Businesses across food and drink manufacturing are delighted to support the Kickstart scheme. It offers young people real pay and real workplace experiences. That combination offers an excellent way to Kickstart their careers.”
It is hoped that many of the 400 Kickstart participants will be taken on as apprentices once they have completed their placements. Participating businesses include Coca-Cola European Partners, Nestle UK & Ireland and Greencore.
Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP, added: “It’s great to see food and drink manufacturers rallying together to offer 400 young people vital opportunities to gain key industry experience and training through the Kickstart scheme, boosting their longer term prospects.
“This demonstrates how our plan for Jobs is helping people back into work and vitally supporting employers in high demand and key growth sectors to recruit, as we push to build back better and level up opportunity across the country.”
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.