This initiative was launched by the Government in 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak, providing funding to employers so they could offer 16-24-year-olds on Universal Credit an opportunity to take part in six-month job placements. Amey signed up to the programme, and since its launch has taken on 21 young people, 16 of whom are now in full-time employment with Amey.
The initiative, which ended in March 2022, proved such a success that Amey has now developed its own version. Launching next month, Headstart (as it will be known) is aimed at a broader age range and forms part of Amey’s new ESG strategy, ‘Bolder Steps Together’. It is also helping to support Governments ongoing ‘Levelling Up Agenda’ – which aims to provide employment opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Amey will place candidates, nominated by the DWP, into live roles, and will provide them with tailored on-the-job training, learning, and development opportunities, and will boost their long-term job prospects. The first candidates will be selected before the end of the year, and the start of the programme will be marked by a launch event hosted by Amey and attended by members of the DWP, and potential candidates.
Speaking about the programme, Amey Secure Infrastructure People director, Stephanie Johnson said: “We are committed to helping young people across the UK build their confidence, experience, and skills, so they can help build prosperous futures. This initiative forms part of our people commitments within our new ESG strategy, ‘Bolder Steps Together’, and we will continue to look at ways we can create a sustainable workforce from hard-to-reach groups.”
Elena Barrasso, DWP Senior National Account manager, said: “I am delighted to see Amey launch their Headstart initiative that will continue to give jobseekers post Kickstart the opportunity of a 6-month paid work placement and employability skills for the future.”