FORTY-SIX jobs for young people will be created at Dorset County Hospital as part of government scheme to boost employment opportunities.

The Kickstart Scheme provides new job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds who are currently on Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Already, applicants have been offered roles in catering, administration, estates and facilities to start in June. In addition to this, the DCH NHS Foundation Trust still has further vacancies across the hospital as health care support workers.

There are positions available in technology, which would see applicants work with the clinic engineering team, catering, working in food preparation and front of house. Roles also include working in supplies as part of the vital procurement team as well as health and therapy support workers.

Health and therapy support workers will also be given the opportunity to undertake the nationally recognised Care Certificate whilst participating in the Kickstart Scheme.

A spokesman for Dorset County Hospital said: "Dorset County Hospital is proud to be supporting the Government’s Kickstart Scheme by offering 46 placements across the Trust.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for young people aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit to gain valuable workplace experience.

"The Kickstart Scheme is embedded as part of the trust’s social value pledge to increase employment and training opportunities for local people, especially from areas of high deprivation and unemployment. Two-thirds of jobs lost during the pandemic have been by those under the age of 25 years."

All roles are 25 hours per week over a six month period. Alongside the on-the-job experience, successful applicants will take part in 'career management skills' sessions supporting them with CVs, job searching, job applications and an introduction to a career in the NHS.

Tony Armstrong, Kickstart Co-ordinator said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to develop workplace skills and experience with Dorset County Hospital and prepare them for their future work journey.”

Young people interested in applying to the Kickstart Scheme must be between the ages of 16 and 24 and on Universal Credit. Applications close on Monday, May 31 and must be made by contacting their Department for Work and Pensions work coach.

The hospital job opportunities have been announced after holiday company Haven said it would be creating 35 roles for young people as part of the Kickstarter scheme.

Roles are available across food and beverage, retail, activities and leisure and HR roles available within the parks in the region.

Haven's parks locally include Weymouth Bay, Seaview and Littlesea in Weymouth.