JobStart Scheme Launch

The Scheme supports young people between the ages of 16 and 24 into the labour market and has been allocated £15 million from the New Deal for Northern Ireland initiative to cover the period April 2023 to March 2025. Originally launched by the Department for Communities in 2021, JobStart provides six and nine-month job opportunities across a range of employment sectors, equipping young people with the skills to move into the labour market. Of the 1,452 young people who completed the original scheme, 77 per cent have gone on to secure full-time employment. The £15 million allocation is part of a £40 million fund from the UK Government being shared with the Department for Economy and Invest Northern Ireland. The funding is aimed at increasing access and participation of under-represented individuals in skills, education and employment. If you have any queries you or require advice please contact Jobstart & Work Experience Programme via email at jobstart@communities-ni.gov.uk