A small network of churches and Christian organisations around the diocese have come together to help provide jobs for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.
Holy Trinity Church in Leicester is participating in the government’s Kickstart Scheme, which funds the direct creation of high-quality jobs for 18-25 year-olds, and is acting as both an employer and a gateway for other employers including Mayway Construction and the Leicester Diocesan Board of Finance.
An invitation to join the scheme has been extended to all churches across the diocese, to see how they can create employment opportunities, build their own capacity, and offer loving service to their communities as a result.
The scheme gives young people the chance to build their confidence and skills in the workplace, and to gain experience that will improve their chances of going on to find long- term, sustainable work.
In addition to offering work experience and a meaningful job, Holy Trinity and partners are investing in each of their ‘Kickstarters’ through a comprehensive and varied training programme, so that they have plenty to put on their CV when they have finished their placement.
This training will either be online, or in person; some will give formal certificates at the end, and all will increase the worker’s understanding and employability.
The roles currently available cover a variety of skills, and include everything from office administration and hospitality working in a coffee shop, to practical handiwork and creative media which features the opportunity to help develop and deliver an evangelistic talk show series for Holy Trinity.
Each Kickstarter job is for 25 hours per week for six months, and pay is at the National Living Wage according to the Kickstarter’s age.
Stephen Gorton, Director of Operations at Holy Trinity, has been instrumental in getting the scheme off the ground in Leicester and has a heart for supporting young people into employment. He says: “It’s amazing what can happen to someone when put in the right circumstances, with the right people.
“One young work experience person, sent from Juniper Training in the city, has been coming to the church a few days a week for practical experience, and says it is her ‘favourite place to be.’ The impact this has had on her is significant.
“For us it’s all about providing hope and support to young people who are trying to work,” he explains. “We want to give them skills to take out into the workplace, and something to be proud of.”
Many of us who can work will know the importance of having a job. It can give our lives a regular shape and a sense of purpose as well as community, especially when working with others.
“Work is also a gift from God,” says Stephen. “In creating these jobs, we hope that many young adults will be able to explore some of their God-given gifts and potential - some of which are still to be discovered - in a loving environment where we’re able to model Christ’s love for them.
“This project is very much about loving our neighbour - in this case young adults without work, who may be lacking in a sense of hope, direction or purpose. We pray that God would restore this to them and hope to be a part of this.”
*Could your church be supporting young adults into work? Are you an employer that wants to make use of this scheme and create meaningful jobs for those at risk of long-term unemployment?
Holy Trinity is an approved Gateway and are happy to receive enquiries from new employers in related organisations who might want them to act as their Gateway.
For more information, see: Kickstart | Holy Trinity Leicester (htl.church)