government launches major youth employment drive
The government has launched the next step in its commitment to helping young people into work through the Youth Guarantee.
The cornerstone of this is the Jobs Guarantee, which will ensure that every young person aged 18-24 who has been searching for work for 18 months will be offered a fully funded six-month job.
This programme is about more than just employment. It is about giving young people the confidence, skills and experience they need to take their first steps towards a successful career.
In Blackpool, almost 3,000 young people are currently not earning or learning. This Guarantee represents a huge opportunity – not only to support young people in our town, but to ensure local businesses can benefit from the talent and ambition that I know our young people have.
£2.5 billion in funding is ready, and applications are open now. But the success of this programme depends on local employers getting involved and creating opportunities for the next generation of workers while shaping roles that meet the needs of their business. I encourage businesses across Blackpool to sign up and invest in local talent.
You can find out more and register as an employer by visiting business.gov.uk/recruit
However, this is only one part of the wider Youth Guarantee.
Alongside the Jobs Guarantee, new grants are available to support employers in hiring young people, as well as necessary changes to apprenticeships to make sure they are accessible.
These measures are designed to provide young people not only with employment opportunities, but with the tailored support and skills they need to build long-term careers.
There is also expanded support through the Jobcentre now available nationwide, with more time spent with work coaches and more personalised guidance to help young people identify the opportunities that are right for them.
The Platform supports young people to find a job, access education or training in Blackpool
At the same time, Youth Hubs are also being increased to over 360 locations across Great Britain, ensuring young people can access employment opportunities, advice and wider support regardless of their benefit status. Here in Blackpool the council has already received £100,000 towards expanding their current youth provision. With young people in Blackpool most at risk of not being in education, employment or training nationally, this expansion is a vital step in helping them build a brighter future.
This Labour Government inherited a youth employment challenge, and we are determined to tackle it. But creating lasting change will require a collective effort. By working together through the Youth Guarantee, I believe we can give every young person in Blackpool the opportunity to succeed and build a better future for our town.