What Kick Start programs are and who runs them

Kick Start is a youth employment program run by the Scottish government that provides wage subsidies to employers who hire young people aged 16 to 24 who are out of work. The employer receives a payment from the government to offset the cost of the employee's wages for a set period, usually around six months. The young person works a regular job and earns regular pay — the subsidy goes to the employer, not directly to the worker.

The program is administered through Skills Development Scotland, the public body responsible for career guidance and training support across Scotland. If you live outside Scotland, similar programs exist in other parts of the UK under different names — England has the Kickstart Scheme (now closed to new applications), Wales has its own youth employment initiatives, and Northern Ireland has separate programs. This guide focuses on the Scottish Kick Start model, which is the one currently active.

The core idea is straightforward: the government pays part of the wage bill so employers can afford to hire someone with little or no work history. For the young person, it means a real job, real pay, and work experience that makes the next job easier to find.

Key Takeaways

  • Kick Start is a Scottish government wage subsidy for employers hiring young people aged 16 to 24 who are currently unemployed.
  • The employer receives the subsidy payment, not the young person, but the young person earns full wages for the work they do.
  • Jobs typically last around six months, and the employer must commit to offering training or support during that time.
  • You must be out of work and registered with a careers service or employment support provider to be considered for a Kick Start role.
  • The program is run through Skills Development Scotland and local authority partnerships, not through a central online portal.

Who can take a Kick Start job

To be considered for a Kick Start position, you must be aged 16 to 24 and currently out of work. "Out of work" means you are not in paid employment, though you may be in education, training, or a combination of part-time study and part-time work. The exact definition varies slightly depending on which local authority or support provider is handling the placement, so it is worth checking with your local careers service.

You do not need qualifications or previous work experience. The program is designed for people at the start of their working life, including school leavers, people who have been unemployed for some time, and young people leaving care or the youth justice system. Some local areas prioritize certain groups — for example, young people with disabilities or those facing particular barriers to work — but this depends on local funding and priorities.

You will need to be registered with a careers service, a local authority employment team, or an approved support provider. This is not a separate registration just for Kick Start; if you are already in touch with a careers adviser or a job coach, you are likely already on the system. If you are not, you can contact your local authority or Skills Development Scotland to ask how to register.

How employers use Kick Start and what they must provide

An employer applies to Kick Start separately from hiring you. They propose a job role, agree to pay you at least the National Minimum Wage for your age group, and commit to providing training or support during your employment. The government then pays the employer a subsidy — the exact amount depends on the local area and the length of the contract, but it typically covers a significant portion of the wage bill.

The employer is required to offer something beyond just a job: this might be formal training, mentoring, help with CV writing, or support with moving into another role after the six months ends. This is a condition of receiving the subsidy, so it should be part of the conversation when you are offered the role. Ask what training or support the employer has committed to provide.

The job itself is a real employment contract. You will have the same rights as any other employee — written terms, statutory holiday pay, sick pay if applicable, and protection under employment law. The subsidy is between the government and the employer; it does not change your employment status or your rights at work.

How to find out about Kick Start vacancies

Kick Start jobs are not advertised on a single national website. Instead, they are promoted through local careers services, local authority employment teams, and approved training providers. The best starting point is to contact your local authority's employment or youth services team, or to speak to a careers adviser if you are already working with one.

Skills Development Scotland maintains information about the program and can direct you to the right local contact. You can also ask at your local library, community centre, or youth service — many of these organizations have information about local employment support and can point you toward current vacancies.

Some employers advertise Kick Start roles on general job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, but they will usually flag them as "Kick Start funded" or "government-supported". If you see a role you are interested in, you can ask the employer directly whether they are offering it through Kick Start, or you can ask your local careers service whether they know of that employer's participation in the program.

The role of careers advisers and support providers

Your local careers service or employment support provider is the main route into a Kick Start job. These advisers know which employers in your area are offering Kick Start positions, can match your interests and skills to available roles, and can help you prepare for interviews. They also handle the paperwork and confirm to the employer that you meet the program's requirements.

If you are already working with a support provider — for example, through a youth training program, a disability employment service, or a leaving care team — they may already be aware of Kick Start opportunities and can raise them with you. If you are not currently in touch with anyone, your first step is to register with your local authority's careers or employment service.

The adviser's role does not end when you start the job. They can check in with you during the six months to make sure the role is working out, help you plan what comes next, and support you in moving into permanent work or further training after the subsidy period ends.

What happens after the Kick Start period ends

The subsidy typically lasts around six months, though the exact length can vary. During that time, you are building work experience, learning about the industry, and developing skills that make you more attractive to other employers. The employer is also required to help you plan for what comes next — this might be staying on with them in a permanent role, moving to a different employer, or starting a training course.

Some employers do offer permanent positions to Kick Start workers after the subsidy ends, but this is not may provide. The program is designed to get you into work and give you experience; what happens after depends on the employer's needs and your own choices. Your careers adviser can help you explore options, including other jobs, apprenticeships, or further training.

If you do not move into permanent work when ready after Kick Start ends, you can register for support again. There is no limit to how many times you can use the program, though you must meet the age and employment status requirements each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get paid during Kick Start, or does the employer get all the money?

You get paid your full wage for the work you do. The subsidy goes to the employer to help them afford your wages, but you receive your pay in the normal way — weekly or monthly, depending on the employer's payroll. You should be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for your age group.

Can I do Kick Start while I am still in school or college?

This depends on your local area and the specific circumstances. Some areas allow young people in part-time education to take part-time Kick Start roles, while others require you to be fully out of work. Ask your careers adviser or local authority employment team about what is possible in your area.

What if the job does not work out?

If you leave the role or the employer ends your employment, you can speak to your careers adviser about other options. You may be able to move into a different Kick Start role, or explore other support available to you. There is no penalty for leaving, though the employer will no longer receive the subsidy.

Is Kick Start the same as an apprenticeship?

No. Kick Start is a temporary wage subsidy for a regular job; an apprenticeship is a longer-term training program with specific qualifications attached. Kick Start can lead to an apprenticeship, and your employer or careers adviser can discuss whether that is a route you want to explore after your six months ends.

How do I find my local careers service or employment team?

Contact your local authority directly — you can find their contact details on your council's website. You can also call Skills Development Scotland on 0808 100 8000 or visit their website to find local support in your area. If you are in school, your school careers adviser can also point you toward the right team.