Preston North End is one of 65 EFL clubs that has signed up for the government's Kickstart scheme, providing hundreds of jobs for young people.
The Kickstart scheme will offer six-month work placement jobs roles to young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit - with the aim to give young people the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace and to gain experience to improve their chances of finding long-term work.
Vacancies at clubs and their charitable arms will include business admin, sports coaches, marketing, ground staff, finance, youth work, graphic design, film & photography and HR and data administration roles
Kickstart gives young people the opportunity they need to get their foot on the ladder and a foothold in the world of work. Nationally, the scheme has already created more than 38,000 vacancies across the UK and received over 4,000 applications from employers. Tens of thousands more jobs are expected in the coming months.
The scheme targets young people who have been hit especially hard by the Coronavirus pandemic, and Kickstart focuses on giving them the best possible chance of getting a job.
Under the scheme, the EFL Trust, the charitable arm of the EFL, will be acting as a Gateway provider, bringing together a network of football clubs, community organisations and other partners, to provide a wealth of opportunities across the country for the out-of-work youngsters.
PNECET Head of Education Liam Sealey said: "We are incredibly proud of our response to the pandemic and the role we have played in supporting our community. The new Kickstart scheme is another opportunity to support young people into employment by offering opportunities for them to gain meaningful experience and insight into the world of work
"Through the various education programmes we deliver, including our alternative education programme, Preston’s Centre of Sporting Excellence and our degree programme in partnership with the University of South Wales we aim to provide a platform for all to access and improve educational attainment and employability within our local community.
"The Kickstart scheme will only add to the opportunities available for young people from Preston North End Community and Education Trust. We’re looking forward to bringing young and dynamic individuals to the Trust through the Kickstart initiative, which we are sure will prove to be a mutually beneficial experience."
Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: "It’s great to see the EFL Trust sign up to the Kickstart scheme, to nurture and support so many of our next generation of workers. This fantastic commitment will see nearly 500 young people take up a diverse range of roles, from working in finance and HR, to becoming a sports coach or marketing for a major club.
"The Kickstart Scheme gives thousands of young jobseekers a chance to get on the jobs ladder – they’ll gain vital work experience, build a network of contacts and learn the value of earning a wage for themselves – as part of our £30bn Plan for Jobs helping people of all ages into work."
Mike Evans, CEO, EFL Trust said: "This impact of COVID-19 on our young people is clearly very significant and we are delighted to be able to offer opportunities to young people in our communities through the Kickstart programme.
"A key part of our strategy at the EFL Trust is to raise aspirations and realise the potential within our communities and a scheme like Kickstart enables us to have a significant impact on the young people who need out support most right now."
For more information and for those interested in the Kickstart, please email community@pne.com, including 'Kickstart' in the subject line.