JD to recruit over 1,200 young workers through UK Government’s Kickstart Scheme
The JD Group has been selected as a national partner for the UK Government’s Kickstart Scheme which will see work placement opportunities created by JD across England, Scotland and Wales for an initial 1,228 16-24 year olds at risk of long term unemployment, either as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or wider social and economic pressures.
Today, Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman of JD Sports Fashion plc, met Employment Minister Mimsy Davies and The Princes Trust at the JD Oxford Street store to celebrate the partnership launch, where they spoke to some of the recent JD Kickstart recruits, to find out more about their personal experiences of being involved in the scheme and hear about their ambitions for the future.
JD has been working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions on a national rollout of the Kickstart Scheme, creating roles for unemployed young people across JD’s Retail, Distribution Centre and Head Office operations, including over 1,000 placements in the Group’s retail stores starting in July.
To further support the project, JD has also partnered with The Prince’s Trust, a youth charity with expertise in providing employability development to young people across the UK. Th Prince’s Trust will work with JD to assist Kickstart candidates acquire new skills and develop their careers.
Working alongside JD’s internal Learning and Development Programmes, The Prince’s Trust will provide additional training sessions for participants on a range of subjects, from communication and job applications to CV creation and interview techniques.
Under the Kickstart Scheme, the UK Government will be providing a grant for a total of 6 months. In turn, JD hopes that the Scheme will create a diverse pipeline of young talent joining the Group, providing candidates with the potential to progress to a permanent career with JD or enrolment onto a JD apprenticeship programme.
Peter Cowgill commented: “We are proud to support this exciting scheme which will provide much- needed employment, learning and development opportunities for some of the most vulnerable in society, at a time when competition for job positions is at an all-time high. Social inequality has only been exacerbated during the pandemic, so it has never been more vital to give young and disadvantaged people a chance to succeed. We hope that the Kickstart Scheme will do just that, breaking the chain of youth unemployment while helping participants fulfil their career potential and enjoy bright futures.”
Rachael Ronchetti, Head of Service Delivery at The Prince’s Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with JD and the Department for Work and Pensions to support young people into hundreds of jobs at The JD Group. Rising unemployment and disruption to training and education opportunities is having a devastating impact on many young people’s lives. We’re working to ensure they build the confidence and skills they need to excel in their new roles and plan their progression for the future.”
Ibrar Anwar, a participant of JD Kickstart, said: “Kickstart has been life changing for me after a long year of unemployment due to Covid. It has helped me get back into employment and move down a different career path. My experience so far has been very positive and a huge amount of fun!”
Brittany Bamford, a participant of JD Kickstart, added: “Honestly, my Kickstart experience has been
so lovely. I feel like I’ve learnt so much already, in an area I’ve never worked in before. Everyone is so
welcoming and helpful - I couldn’t ask for more. I’m looking forward to seeing what other skills I am going to gain in the next few months and the different opportunities I may have in the future.”
ENDS
Enquires:
JD Sports Fashion Plc Tel: 0161 767 1000
Neil Greenhalgh, Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Iveson, Investor Relations
MHP Communications Tel: 0203 128 8193
Andrew Jaques Giles Robinson Charles Hirst Catherine Chapman
Notes to Editors
About the JD Group:
The JD Group, is a UK-based, FTSE 100 listed, global multichannel retailer which specialises in the sale of Sports Fashion and Outdoor footwear and apparel. The JD Group has over 3,300 stores in 29 countries across the globe, with a presence in the UK, USA, Europe and Asia Pacific.
About The Princes Trust:
The Prince’s Trust helps young people all over the UK to build their confidence and skills and supports them into jobs, education and training. Founded by The Prince of Wales in 1976, the charity supports 11 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed, struggling at school and at risk of exclusion. Many of the young people helped by The Trust’s youth support workers and mentors are in or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, or have been in trouble with the law. The courses offered by The Trust give young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training. The Trust has helped over a million young people to date. Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at princes-trust.org.uk or on 0800 842 842.