New support to be offered to help young people into work

Almost one million young people are currently not in education, employment or training in Britain. This is a 26% rise since before the pandemic, recent data reveals.

In response, the government has announced a major package of support to help young people improve their job prospects.

What the government is offering

Work experience and training

Young people on universal credit will be offered placements in sectors such as:

• construction
• health
• social care
• hospitality

These opportunities are part of a plan to create 350,000 training and work experience placements.

Who qualifies

• people aged 18 to 21
• receiving universal credit
• have been looking for work for at least 18 months

What participants receive

• six weeks of training and work experience
• a guaranteed job interview
• four weeks of intensive support to prepare for long-term employment
• guidance from a work coach, who can refer participants to one of six pathways:
• work
• work experience
• apprenticeship
• wider training
• learning
• a workplace training programme with a guaranteed interview
• fully subsidised six-month roles, 25 hours per week, paid at legal minimum wage

Anyone who refuses a job offer after 18 months without work may lose their benefits.

The government expects more than 1,000 young people to start a job within the first six months of the scheme.

55,000 guaranteed jobs

Starting in the spring 2026, guaranteed job placements will roll out across areas with the highest youth unemployment, including:

• Birmingham and Solihull
• East Midlands
• Greater Manchester
• Hertfordshire and Essex
• Central and East Scotland
• Southwest and Southeast Wales

Youth clubs and local support

New youth clubs will open around the country, offering:

• skills training
• CV and careers advice
• mental health support
• housing guidance

The government will also expand support for young people in state-funded alternative provision schools, including help accessing work experience.

Help available right now

If you’re aged 16 to 24 and not in work or education, you can access support immediately.

Local councils, colleges and schools

Your local council, school or college is often the first place to go for support. They work together to spot young people who might be at risk of falling behind and offer personalised help to get you back on track.

For example, Sheffield council has careers staff who will sit down with you, get to know your situation, and help you create a plan that works for you.

They can offer support with:

• exploring your career options
• planning your next steps in training or education
• learning new skills
• searching for jobs and apprenticeships
• writing your CV, filling in applications and preparing for interviews
• accessing emotional health and wellbeing support
• finding help for issues like speech and language needs
• advice about benefits and financial support

Even if you're not sure what you want to do next, just reaching out can open doors you didn’t even know were there.

National Careers Service

The National Careers Service offers free careers advice for people of all ages. Whether you’re just starting out or changing direction, they can help you make informed choices about your future.

• visit their website or call to speak with an adviser
• get help choosing a career path or course
• find training opportunities near you

Youth organisations and charities

Groups like The King’s Trust and other youth charities run programmes, mentoring, and training to help you build your confidence and develop the skills employers are looking for.

These programmes often include:

• team-building and personal development activities
• work experience placements
• help with CVs and job interviews
• one-to-one mentoring

Thinking about going back to education as an adult?

If you’re over 19 and thinking about giving education another go, whether to change careers, learn something new, or just for personal growth, there are loads of free courses and financial help available.

Free courses for mature learners

• Free courses for jobs – training that can lead straight to work in in-demand industries.
• Skills bootcamps – short, intensive courses in areas like digital skills, construction, or green energy.
• Multiply – free maths courses if you didn’t get a GCSE grade C/4 or above.
• Essential skills – courses in English, numeracy and digital skills – classroom or online, full-time or part-time.

Read more about the educational opportunities and financial support for mature students in our guide.