Successful youth employment scheme relaunched by DfC

An employment scheme for young people at risk of long-term unemployment has been relaunched by the Department for Communities following the allocation of funding from the UK government.

The JobStart scheme, which supports young people between the ages of 16 and 24 into the labour market, has been allocated £15 million from the New Deal for Northern Ireland initiative.

Originally launched by the Department for Communities in 2021, JobStart provides six and nine-month job opportunities across a range of employment sectors, equipping young people with the skills to move into the labour market.

Of the 1,452 young people who completed the original scheme, 77 per cent have gone on to secure full-time employment.

Department for Communities’ Deputy Secretary for Work and Health, Paddy Rooney said:

“The success of the JobStart scheme shows the importance of such initiatives in supporting young people at risk of long-term unemployment.

“By providing funding to employers to create real job opportunities, young people can develop their employability skills in positions which align with their individual skills and interests.

“I would encourage employers to take this opportunity to invest in our young people and to benefit from the strengths that they can bring to your business.”

The £15 million allocation is part of a £40 million fund from the UK Government being shared with the Department for Economy and Invest Northern Ireland. The funding is aimed at increasing access and participation of under-represented individuals in skills, education and employment.

Invest NI will support the work of both Departments through its local employer and business base and will harness the expertise of its client-facing teams to secure commitment and engagement from employers.

Notes to editors: 

1. For further information on how to access the support available under the JobStart scheme visit NI Direct: 
2. Media enquiries to the DfC Press Office.
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
4. Follow us on Twitter @CommunitiesNI.

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