The UK Government has announced a £45 million extension to the Youth Guarantee trailblazer scheme, enabling thousands more young people to receive tailored support to access training and employment opportunities. The scheme aims to ensure that all 18- to 21-year-olds have the chance to earn or learn, providing innovative local approaches to identify those most at risk of falling out of education, employment, or training.
The extension comes amid concerning figures showing 948,000 young people across the UK are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The NEET population faces multiple barriers, including long-term or temporary sickness, disability, lack of qualifications, and disadvantaged backgrounds. Young people who are NEET are more likely to experience lower pay, higher unemployment, and long-term mental health challenges, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
The eight trailblazer schemes launched this spring across England—including Liverpool, West Midlands, Tees Valley, East Midlands, West of England, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, and two in London—are testing innovative ways to match young people with local training and job opportunities. Participants receive wraparound support from dedicated personal advisers, who assist with CV development, interview preparation, access to technology, and pastoral guidance. Schemes like the Mayor of London’s program specifically support care-experienced young people, who are three times more likely to be NEET.
Government officials emphasized the importance of this funding in unlocking opportunities for young people and driving national economic growth. The initiative complements broader investments under the Plan for Change, including £88 million for Youth Services and £100 million to train 40,000 young construction workers. Efforts also align with broader strategies to improve jobcentres, raise the National Living Wage, and strengthen employment rights.
Participants have highlighted the impact of the trailblazers, sharing that access to internships and work placements has helped build confidence, develop new skills, and open pathways to long-term career prospects. Learning from the eight trailblazer schemes will inform future nationwide programs, with tailored approaches reflecting the specific needs of urban and rural communities across Great Britain.
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