Are you a local employer passionate about making a difference in your community? SKylight and SMBC are launching the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Paid Work Placement Programme and are looking for local businesses to offer meaningful, six month paid placements for Stockport residents who face barriers to employment.
Starting in September 2025, this initiative will support 30 individuals into work by providing employers with a grant to cover the Real Living Wage and associated National Insurance costs. Placements must be additional opportunities (not replacing existing roles or apprenticeships), offering structured, high-value work experience.
We’re especially keen to support people who are economically inactive - not currently working or actively seeking work, including:
- Care-experienced young people
- Residents with SEND
- Armed Forces veterans
- Those with long-term health conditions
- Over 50’s
Each employer can host one placement, with the potential for a second in exceptional cases.
10 placements will be tailored for individuals with SEND (30 hours/week), with the remaining 20 paid placements at 37 hours/week.
The programme is running until 31st March with all placements having been placed by 25th January 2025.
If you're an employer who is keen to offer guidance, mentorship, and real work experience, we want to hear from you. Help someone take their first step into employment — and enrich your business with a paid placement.
For more info on eligibility requirements and how to apply contact [email protected]
