JobStart Scheme
If you are aged 16 to 24, unemployed and finding it hard to get a job, the JobStart Scheme offers paid job opportunities to help you improve your employment skills, your potential to get a permanent job or to move into further education or training.
About the JobStart Scheme
Important information
Employers in all sectors in Northern Ireland can take part in the JobStart Scheme. Find out how at: JobStart. Jobseekers can find all the JobStart opportunities at JobApplyNI.
The JobStart Scheme helps young people from the ages of 16 to 24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment get into the job market by offering six-month job opportunities with a range of employers across all job sectors in Northern Ireland.
These job opportunities may be extended to nine-months where additional criteria is met.
All employers in Northern Ireland can take part in the JobStart scheme.
Benefits of the JobStart Scheme
By taking part in the JobStart Scheme you will:
- develop your employment skills
- get a six or nine-month paid job opportunity
- enhance your CV and future job prospects
- increase your confidence
- learn important work skills like teamwork and problem solving and communication skills
By the end of your opportunity you may:
- be offered a permanent job by the employer
- have the skills and experience to help you find another job
- go into further education or training opportunities
Who can take part
To be eligible to apply for the JobStart Scheme you must:
- be aged 16-24 years old
- be at risk of long-term unemployment or struggling to get employment
- be currently unemployed
- have a National Insurance number and the right to work in Northern Ireland
More information
If you receive Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support, contact a Work Coach on 0300 200 7807 or visit your local Jobs & Benefit’s office.
If you are unemployed and not receiving benefits contact the JobStart & Work Experience Programme Branch within the Department for Communities on jobstart.scheme@communities-ni.gov.uk or 028 90726788 to find out more.
You will not be eligible to apply for the JobStart Scheme if:
- you are planning to take up an apprenticeship or enter education or further education in the future
- you are awaiting the outcome of a job interview
- your parent or guardian is receiving Child Benefit on your behalf
- you have already reached 25 years of age
If you are aged over 25 you are not eligible for the JobStart Scheme. You may be able to get help from the Work Experience Programme. There are opportunities available ranging from two to eight weeks. The Scheme is available for those aged 16 to 65 and more information is available at: Work Experience Programme.
How much you will get paid
During the JobStart scheme you will receive at least the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week. Your employer may choose to offer you additional hours.
Other costs such as uniforms, or training you may need will also be covered.
Finding JobStart opportunities
JobStart opportunities will be listed on Job Apply NI.
Further Information
To find out further information about the JobStart Scheme and the Work Experience Programme email: jobstart.scheme@communities-ni.gov.uk.
Useful links