YOUNG people are being offered careers support as local employers back the Government’s Kickstart scheme.

Numerous companies in York and beyond are backing the scheme which aims to give 16 to 24-year-olds who are claiming Universal Credit a six-month job to gain valuable work experience.

Several of those with current vacancies will be at a jobs fair in York today to showcase the available opportunities and meet potential candidates, including LNER, Eboracum, Portakabin, Heineken and North Yorkshire County Council.

York Monkgate Jobcentre is holding the Kickstart Jobsfair on Wednesday, October 27, from 2pm to 4pm for young people to meet with employers and learn about their vacancies.

Craig Laughton, head of learning experience at LNER said: “We are looking forward to welcoming a second group of Kickstarters to LNER and introducing them to the huge variety of roles within the rail industry, while providing them with skills and new experiences to help them in their future career.

“Jobs fairs like the one in York are an ideal way of showcasing some of those opportunities while raising awareness about the scheme.”

Carl Nickson, managing director of Eboracum, said: “Eboracum are proud to be supporting both the local sector and the wider York community with employment support through vocational and employability skill development using real life placements with the ability to experience industry practice.

“Successful candidates will join our team as budding security and event professionals on a six- month placement to gain skills and experience the twists and turns of our industry.

“We have 15 placements where the whole spectrum of our operations will be experienced. These include general administration, front line operations, advertising and marketing, stewarding, and achieving new qualifications to gain an SIA License."

He added: “We hope that our positive approach to the security industry will open doors to the varied roles and showcase the adventure, comradery and sense of duty that the sector brings. I look forward to working closely with the DWP on these placements and to get the best outcome for everyone involved.”

Jo Brownsword, future talent specialist from Portakabin said: “We had a fantastic response to the scheme this year which allowed us to open the opportunity of permanent roles for a number of young people. It was great to be able see them develop and grow during their time with us.”

Andrew Lamb, resourcing partner from Heineken added: “We’ll be coming to the job fair to help promote and recruit for the kick start opportunities we have available on our Tadcaster site.”

Keeley Metcalfe, resourcing solutions business partner from North Yorkshire County Council said: "Kickstart has helped so many young people to establish their careers, it is important to maximise opportunities in York.”

Jenny Shaw, at York Jobcentre, advised people to book a slot through their work coach or drop in at the event.