Plan 500 is a groundbreaking initiative that brings Swindon's companies and young people together to create jobs.
Many employers are seeking young people to help grow their businesses but fear the red tape involved with taking on 16 to 24 year olds. Plan 500 is a groundbreaking initiative that brings Swindon's companies and young jobseekers together for everyone's mutual benefit.
Project Summary
Project Summary
Accessing the talents of young people
Plan 500 helps young people aged 16 to 24 realise their potential – and connects Swindon's businesses with them, so companies gain the skills they need to grow. Plan 500 provides 4 great ways for employers to access young people's talents:
Work experience
Work experience provides your business with valuable short-term support for projects:
- Two-weeks' work experience for Swindon's students.
- Two to eight-weeks' work experience for young people currently receiving Job Seeker's Allowance.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships provide a fast route to enhanced productivity, additional skills, reduced recruitment costs, and an eager workforce:
- Your business links with an Apprenticeship Training Association that employs a young person on your behalf.
- Your business pays the minimum wage and administration fee for the duration of the job.
Business mentors
In business, little is more rewarding than giving a young person the benefit of your skills and experience. Mentoring enables you to do just that:
- You receive 1 day's free training on mentoring, including a mentoring pack and certificate.
- You are matched to a young person, supporting them for up to 6 months in their quest to find employment.
Work-based qualifications
A skilled workforce is the engine behind your business' success. Plan 500 can connect you with free work-based qualifications for your staff that deliver:
- Increased productivity through a skilled workforce.
- Reduced recruitment costs through higher staff retention.
- A foundation to a formal in-house training programme.
- Evidence of your commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Diplomas
Plan 500 gives you the opportunity to support students in gaining Diploma qualifications, helping you:
- Build strong relationships with future staff – and reduce recruitment costs.
- Strengthen relationships with schools and colleges – a potential customer channel.
- Demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility.
Raising the Participation Age
The government's 'Raising the Participation Age' (RPA) affects businesses currently employing or seeking to employ young people. To find out how it affects you, visit the RPA website. http://rpa.forwardswindon.co.uk