Can you support a young person experience the fascinating and rewarding world of conservation?

Icon is seeking expressions of interest to take part in its application to the Government's Kickstart Scheme to help create jobs for young people across England, Scotland and Wales.

17 Nov 2020

The scheme was launched in September 2020, with the announcement of £2 billion Government Funding to support the creation of jobs for young people aged 16 to 24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment. The funding available will cover: 

  • Salary costs at National Minimum Wage for 25 hours / week
  • National Insurance and Pension Contributions (where relevant)
  • Additional £1,500 grant per placement which can be used however you wish.

Further details and information about the scheme is available here >>

Kickstart for conservation

We know that giving young people the opportunity to experience working in the fascinating and rewarding world of conservation is crucial to ensuring we can nurture, encourage, and inspire the next generation of professional conservators. That is why Icon is in the process of applying as a 'gateway' on behalf of employers in the sector to ensure that we can make the most of this unique opportunity.

Positions offered through the programme can be incredibly diverse, provided the role gives a young person the chance to gain a greater understanding of the conservation profession and the heritage sector more broadly. 

To be included as part of Icon's application, roles offered through the scheme must meet the following minimum guidelines: 

  • 6-month job for at least 25 hours / week starting any time in 2021. 
  • The job needs to give a young person the opportunity to develop their understanding of the conservation profession but does not have to be purely conservation focussed. 
  • Salary of at least £16,000 / year (pro rata) for a conservation related position (in line with Icon's minimum guidelines for a training position)
    or
    Salary of at least National Minimum Wage if it is focused on another role within the heritage sector
  • Time to provide support and training.

Please note that the funding is limited to National Minmum Wage for 25 hours / week. Any additional costs will have to be covered by the employer.

Next steps

If you are interested in taking part, please complete the expression of interest form below by 15th January 2021. The form asks that you outline the roles you believe you can provide (to the best of your knowledge at this stage) alongside additional information which is required as part of the application form.

If you have any questions please contact Patrick Whife on [email protected].