Next course starts October 2016
Kick Start is a 16 week programme to support young people who are currently unemployed and not in education or training. It is voluntary and FREE to take part in and once you have started you can progress through the rest of the programme at your own pace and even decide some of the subject areas to work on.
Once registered on the programme you will be able to take part in the following activities:
The current volunteering options are:
You will be able to choose from a range of supported volunteering opportunities which will include both small-scale, local activities through to volunteering at large national events including festivals and events such as the Badminton Horse Trials and the Royal Bath and West Show. Volunteering placements may be for just one day or could become a long term commitment - it will be entirely up to you to decide how much time you want to put in. The project will also include an outdoors activity day where you will get the opportunity to take part in activities such as climbing or caving and cook your own lunch over a camp fire. Following on from this you will then have the opportunity to organise and take part in a summer residential. Progression is something we concentrate on right from the start, not because we want you to move on just yet but because we understand it takes a lot of effort planning and preparing for the next steps in life. We will use the training venue for specific support with CVs, job applications and communication skills and maybe even some fun and games to boost your confidence in employment or further education settings. Once all the above has been achieved you will tie everything together, complete your diploma and (hopefully) progress in to paid employment or register for another college programme or training course. "Celebration": At the end of every sixteen week programme there will be a celebration event where Kick Start graduates from across the South West can come together to share their experiences, make new friends and have fun. These days might be based around further outdoor activities such as swimming or karting, or could be more of a party with food and live music. It really will be up to those completing the programme to decide. "Assist": We are always looking for people to help run future activities both as a part of Kick Start and also as a part of our other projects. Once you have completed steps one to five you may be able to come back as a volunteer to help run future training sessions, volunteering days and even celebration events. If all this seems just a little too much commitment for you then check out this sister project 'Have a Go'. |
Don't know where to find your National Insurance Number?When you turn 16 you will have received either a plastic card or a letter showing your NI Number. Alternatively if you have ever had a pay slip, P45, P60 or any letters from the Jobcentre then you should be able to find your NI Number printed on one of these documents.
If you do not have any of these you will need to apply to HMRC for a reminder. You can do this by clicking here to go to the HMRC website and then follow whichever link is relevant to you (in most cases this will be the link to Form CA5403). FAQsQ. How old do I have to be to take part in the Kick Start programme?
A. You must be either 16, 17 or 18 years old. If you are outside that age range you should check out our reAction project which provides similar support for those up to age 25. Q. Are there any entry criteria to take part in the Kick Start programme? A. The only criteria are that you must be unemployed (though not necessarily claiming benefits) and not currently be registered on a training course at school, college or with another training provider. If this is not you try 'Have a GO' Q. You say that Kick Start is run in association with my local Job Centre, will you tell them if I stop coming? A. No. While we have the backing of all the local Job Centres to run Kick Start we are not a part of any Job Centre Plus scheme or programme and we will not share any details of those who take part in Kick Start with staff at the Job Centre. Q. Can I get any help with travel costs or childcare? A. We do have a fund available to support travel costs and childcare, these need to be applied for when you register for Kick Start. Q. Do I need to bring lunch with me? A. We do provide bread/toast with spreads, snacks and drinks. However you may want to consider bringing a lunch to keep you going. Q. I'm being told that I need to follow a programme that meets the requirements of Raising the participation Age (RPA), does Kick Start count? A. Yes. kick Start is an approved RPA programme in both Somerset and Wiltshire. If you live outside of these counties let us know and we will confirm with your local authority that you are on an approved RPA programme. Q. I'm 16 and if I were at college my parents would still be able to claim Child Benefit, is that also the case with Kick Start? A. Yes, as long as you follow the full programme you will meet the requirements for the continued payment of Child Benefit. Q. Great. How do I register? A. There are three ways to register: 1) You can sign yourself up by clicking on the Book Your Place button at the top of this page 2) You can speak to anyone from Careers South West, Bath Connect, Youth Connect (Wiltshire) or Integrated Youth Service and ask them to refer you directly, or another support agency you are working with. |