Preston film company among first Northern companies to get funding for creative employers

The funding creates more than 70 six-month placements for 16 to 24-year-olds who receive Universal Credit payments, opening up opportunities for them in creative industries.

Northern Heart Films, based in Preston, is among the organisations offering the new opportunities as part of The Department for Work and Pensions’ job creation scheme.

And Curious Minds, the sector support organisation for creative and cultural education in North West England, is celebrating the confirmation of creative industry jobs in the region.

Scott Bradley, Head of Production at Northern Hearts Films said: "We’re delighted to have been one of the first businesses approved for the Kickstart scheme.

"Northern Heart Films was established in the North West because we care deeply about the creative industry in our area. To now be able to provide some opportunities to young people in the region will be a brilliant experience for us.

"Hopefully this will help Northern Heart Films grow and we’ll be able to offer more employment opportunities in the future. The new employees will be predominately working remotely but they will have plenty of opportunities."

Kickstart is a job creation scheme by The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that provides funding to employers to create six-month job placements for young people currently receiving Universal Credit.

And the funding covers 100 per cent of the costs of a six-month placement, up to 25 hours a week, which can start anytime between now and December 31.

As the scheme is rolled out, Curious Minds has announced it will be providing a bespoke wraparound package of support for the new employees, which will "boost both their learning and future employment prospects."

The support will focus on the development of skills known to be essential for the world of work, giving young people practical employability skills, knowledge the chance to develop a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

Holly Ball, Head of Careers & Employability at Curious Minds said: “The response to the Kickstart scheme from employers in the North West has been incredible.

"Curious Minds is proud to support a wide range of employers from across the region as they open their doors to young people who need the opportunity the most.

"We see Kickstart as a catalyst to drive real change in the creative workforce. Providing an opportunity to level the playing field for all young people; enabling those without their own networks to grow their social capital whilst also enhancing the region’s businesses with diverse talent.”

An online event to launch the North West Creative Kickstart is being hosted by Curious Minds on April 20.

Employer organisations can register to attend HERE.

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