This will be my first job. Will I get help with interview practice?
A. Yes, an employment adviser will work with you to prepare. We will also provide weekly virtual workshops on interview practice, preparing CVs, and applying for jobs.
Will I be guaranteed a job after my placement ends?
A. Some people will be lucky enough to find a great placement that leads to a job. We can’t guarantee that will happen, but we will help you negotiate that where possible. Either way, you will learn valuable skills and have a work reference to move on with.
Am I paid Universal credit on work placement?
A. You will be paid National minimum wage, so most people would not continue to receive Universal credit. There will be people who receive housing benefit contributions and that would continue
What if the placement isn’t a good match for me?
You will need to speak to your Xcite employment adviser to assess why this isn’t right for you, and we can try to find a better match
Do I get travel expenses?
You would usually pay your travel expenses yourself
Do I get any help at the end of the placement?
You will be getting help throughout the placement to build your work-related skills. At the 4-month stage we will step up the support to help you find a job or apprenticeship
I’ve seen a placement can I approach the company myself.
You can certainly speak to the company to see if its right for you. We would then have to apply through Job Centre Plus to make sure the funding is attached to you and the company
Can I work more than 25 hours per week?
You can work more than 25 hours a week, the company will need to cover your wages from their own resources for the additional hours over the government sponsored 25
How does this work with Covid distancing? – Do I work from home?
We will all strictly adhere to government guidance on social distancing, and this will mean you may need to work from home. We will hold workshops on how this can work for you, how communication will work and the people we have in place to help. We will be setting up virtual peer groups, so you get to speak to other young people on the scheme and get their views and insight on how to get organised and get the best out of opportunities on offer. Good news – you never miss the bus to work