// M&S is offering 360 new jobs by way of work placements through the government’s Kickstarter scheme

// M&S said it would deliver two cohorts of placements in April and June this year, with 180 people each

// Kickstart provides funding to create new job placements for 16-24 year-olds who are on Universal Credit

Marks & Spencer is offering 360 work placement jobs that provide training and skills in retail as part of a scheme to give 16-24-year-olds a step onto the career ladder.

In partnership with The Prince’s Trust charity, M&S said it would deliver two cohorts of placements in April and June this year, with 180 people each.

M&S said the scheme was in support of the UK Government’s Kickstart programme, which provides funding to create new job placements for 16-24 year-olds who are on Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment.

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The new scheme is also part of M&S’s wider commitment to employability such as Marks & Start, which has helped over 20,000 young people facing barriers into work.

Successful applicants will join as trainee customer assistants for six-month placements rotating across M&S’s Foodhalls, backstage operations, hospitality and clothing and home departments.

The roles will be available across the UK, including M&S’s 30 regional academy stores.

Once their six-month tenure is finished, M&S said would aim to support the work placement staff to apply for permanent positions, where available, across its stores.

All Kickstart colleagues will be paid in line with current in-store pay levels.

“Through our partnership with The Princes Trust, we’re proud to have supported thousands of people who face barriers to jumpstart their careers,” M&S retail director Sacha Berendji said.

“But now more than ever, as a result of the pandemic, we know the challenges to find work are even greater for young people.

“That’s why, we’re proud to play our part by backing the government’s Kickstart scheme and helping to build essential employability and skills to improve their chances of finding long-term careers.”

Applications for the April workers have now opened at Jobcentre Plus locations across the UK.

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