Businesses wanting to take advantage of the government's Kickstart scheme are being urged to act now ahead of the deadline for applications.

The scheme will grant fund a six-month work experience placement for those aged between 16-24 who are on Universal Credit.

An additional £1,500 grant will also be provided to help the employer set up and deploy the necessary skills training.

A key provider of the service is the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, which has teamed up with all of the county's further education colleges to deliver the programme.

It can also provide assistance to apply for the grant.

But it is urging firms keen to take advantage to do so before the scheme's deadline this December.

A spokesman for the chamber explained: "Using us as your Kickstart provider, you have the choice to deliver your own in-house employability skills training or tap into our cross funded skills provider network. Our network can not only help you access funded training, but on-going support across all areas of your business such as apprenticeships, internships and much more."

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