Matalan creates 200 work placements as part of government’s Kickstart Scheme

As part of its ‘Early Careers’ proposition, Matalan is supporting the government’s Kickstart Scheme by creating 200 bespoke work placements across its business – from the head office to retail and logistics.

The government’s £2 billion scheme is designed to support employment in 16-24 year-olds by offering them industry recognised qualifications and invaluable work experience in six-month job placements.

Matalan will be accepting applications from July to December 2021, and the retailer hopes that the scheme will inspire the next generation of talent to make a career in retail their preferred choice.

Through its partnership with Qube Learning and the retailTRUST, Matalan will offer individuals the opportunity to achieve a fully funded Level 2 qualification to aid their future employability, as well as providing health and wellbeing support through accessing the retailTRUST wellbeing HUB.

Emma Crossland, HR Director at Matalan, commented: “We are proud to be becoming a Kickstart employer and supporting young people to launch their careers through the Kickstart Scheme. Matalan is committed to supporting youth employment, and the scheme is offering a great opportunity, not only for us to provide meaningful training and experience but also to gain access to a high calibre of talent who can join us in our mission to provide real value and quality every day to modern families. We look forward to welcoming successful applicants into the Matalan family.” 

Originally announced on 8 July 2020 as part of the government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’, the Kickstart Scheme is designed to support the development of new skills in order for young people to move into sustained employment once they have completed their Kickstart funded role.