Kickstart Scheme hailed a success by PMA

As the Kickstart Scheme nears its end in March this year, the Practice Managers Association (PMA) has hailed the scheme a great success – but urges young people to apply quickly for the remaining opportunities still available in primary care

The scheme started in September 2020 and gave young people aged between 16 and 24 who were unemployed, the chance to embark on a career in primary care, with access to a range of valuable training and the potential to secure permanent employment.

Leona Curtis, 21, started her position at Oakside Surgery in Plymouth in March 2021.

“I have really enjoyed learning and progressing and believe I’ve come a long way,” she said. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence, improved my existing skills and gained new ones – as well as making many new work friends!”

Practice manager at Wychall Lane Surgery in Birmingham Linda Guest was delighted to offer an administrative role to their Kickstarter Danielle Butler, 22.

“The whole process was so easy,” said Linda. “And we’re very happy with the outcome. Danielle is also really pleased that she’s been offered a position at the practice. Over the time she has spent with us, she’s gained the skills and knowledge of how things are run here in the practice.

“And, because of her hard work and great work ethic, we were able to offer her a position at Wychall Lane Surgery.”

PMA has placed hundreds of young people into job roles since becoming a gateway provider for the scheme in December 2020. Kickstart placements are at least 25 hours a week over a six month period initially and candidates are paid the National Minimum Wage. Employers can top up this wage if they wish, while the government will also pay employers a grant for induction costs such as uniforms and DBS checks.

For details on all current Kickstart Scheme job vacancies, visit https://practicemanagersuk.org/kickstart-vacancies/