Almost one million young people across Great Britain will gain access to new education, training and job opportunities through a major £820 million government funding package aimed at
tackling youth unemployment.
The investment will create 350,000 new workplace and training opportunities in sectors such as construction, health and social care, and hospitality. These opportunities are targeted at young people receiving Universal Credit and will include on-the-job training, employer networking, CV support and interview coaching to help remove barriers to employment.
In addition, around 900,000 young people on Universal Credit will receive a dedicated work support session, followed by four weeks of intensive, personalised assistance. Work coaches will guide participants onto one of six tailored pathways: paid work, work experience, an apprenticeship, wider training, continued learning, or a workplace training programme that includes a guaranteed job interview.
Together, these measures aim to provide a springboard into long-term careers, giving young people the skills and support they need to build a secure future.
As part of the programme, eligible participants will take part in six weeks of training and work experience, followed by a guaranteed interview, giving many their first real opportunity to enter the workforce. This initiative forms a key part of the government’s wider ‘Plan for Change’ to strengthen the economy.
Guaranteed jobs in high-need areas
A further 55,000 young people will benefit from a government-backed guaranteed job scheme, set to begin rolling out from Spring 2026 in areas with the highest levels of need, including:
- Birmingham & Solihull
- East Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Hertfordshire & Essex
- Central & East Scotland
- Southwest & Southeast Wales
More than 1,000 young people are expected to start work within the first six months alone. Local employers and partners will support participants with fully funded wages and wraparound services during their transition into employment.
Expansion of youth hubs nationwide
Youth Hubs—centres that offer practical, emotional and career support—will also be expanded to every local area in Great Britain, bringing the total to over 360 hubs. These centres provide life-changing support including CV advice, skills training, mental health services, housing advice and careers guidance.
Young people will be expected to engage with the support they are offered, and benefit sanctions may apply where someone fails to participate without a valid reason.
Ministerial statements
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, said: “Every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed. When given the right support and opportunities, they will grasp them.
That’s why we are introducing a range of reforms to help young people take that vital step into the workplace or training and to go on and make something of their lives.
This funding is a downpayment on young people’s futures and the future of the country, creating real pathways into good jobs and providing work experience, skills training and guaranteed employment”.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Too many young people fall out of education unnoticed, crippling their life changes and denting the economy.
Smarter data and early-warning tools will change that – helping us to spot risks sooner, step in faster, and keep learners on track through our Plan for Change.
With these ambitious measures, we can break down barriers to opportunity to make sure every young person gets the support they deserve”.
Tackling the rise in NEET figures
Recent figures show that nearly one million young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET)—a 26% rise since before the pandemic. This funding package represents one of the most significant interventions to reverse that trend.
The announcement also builds on existing initiatives, including expanded youth trailblazer funding and an independent review led by Alan Milburn into the barriers preventing young people from accessing employment.
An additional £34 million will support early intervention, including a new Risk of NEET Indicator Tool, allowing local authorities to identify and support at-risk young people sooner. Further investments will improve attendance monitoring in further education and provide targeted support in alternative provision schools.
To strengthen transitions after age 16, the government is piloting automatic enrolment with further education providers for young people without a confirmed place.
Jobs guarantee for young claimants
As previously announced, the government will also deliver a Jobs Guarantee for 18–21-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and actively seeking work for 18 months. The scheme will offer:
- 25 hours per week
- Six months of paid employment
- Fully subsidised wages at the relevant minimum wage
- Comprehensive wraparound support
Finally, the government is completing its National Youth Strategy, shaped by feedback from more than 14,000 young people, to set out a long-term vision for youth policy across the UK. Photo by Mweufika, Wikimedia commons.