YOUNG people in north Shropshire are being urged to take part in a new government job scheme that started this week.

The kickstart Scheme, launched by chancellor Rishi Sunak, is aimed at people aged between 16 and 24 into six-month placements.

Ben Vaughan, who is a Shropshire Employer Manager, based in Oswestry Job Centre, believes the scheme is a perfect way for young people to get on-the-job training and employers to boost their workforce.

He said: “Employers can use the Kickstart Scheme to create brand new six-month job placements for young people (16-24) who are currently on Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance.

"This is great news for our 16-24 year old jobseekers claiming Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance and all our employers in Shropshire.

"For our jobseekers, the job placements should support them to gain the vital experience they need to get that first foot on the career ladder.

"For our employers, the Kickstart scheme funding will cover 100 per cent of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contribution.

"This will allow them to bring a keen, enthusiastic young person into their business at no cost to themselves.

"Any business, any size can look to bid for funding to create new jobs.

"We have already seen considerable interest from a number of our local employers and I’m really excited about the impact the Kickstart Scheme will have for us here in Shropshire.”

The Kickstart scheme was announced in July as part of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs, which set out the biggest package of support for youth unemployment in decade incentivising employers to hire more apprentices.