The UK government is launching a new programme to help young people born between 2004 and 2007 get jobs or training. Many young people are currently not working or studying, and this plan aims to change that. The Youth Guarantee will give every 18 to 21-year-old in England a chance to “earn or learn,” making sure they have support to succeed.
Why the Youth Guarantee Is Important
Nearly one million young people in England are not in education, employment, or training, which is called being NEET. This means they might find it hard to get a job or learn new skills. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall says young people are the future, but many have not had the chance to access the support they need. She announced the £45 million Youth Guarantee at Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium, where she said young people deserve real opportunities to reach their goals.
Where the Scheme Is Being Tested
The Youth Guarantee is being tried in eight regions of England to find the best way to help young people. These regions include Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, Tees Valley, East Midlands, West of England, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, and two pilot areas in London. The goal is to connect young people who are out of work or education with jobs, training, apprenticeships, mental health support, and even free travel passes.
Success Stories from Liverpool
At the launch, there were stories showing how the scheme is already helping. Ethan, who has cerebral palsy, got a Civil Service job thanks to extra support. Luke earned a marketing apprenticeship with Liverpool FC, and Ellie got a work placement after receiving a free laptop. These stories show how the Youth Guarantee can change lives by giving young people the tools and chances they need.
Community Support and Involvement
The Liverpool City Region is leading this effort with £5 million funding. They have also created the BeMore portal, a simple way for young people to get career advice on their phones. A group of young people will help make decisions about how the programme works, making sure it fits what they really need. At the launch, over 1,000 young people and 40 big employers, including Google and John Lewis, joined in to support the initiative.
Part of a Bigger Plan for Change
The Youth Guarantee is one part of the government’s larger Plan for Change. This plan includes £1 billion to help disabled people and those with long-term health problems find work. It also aims to improve Jobcentres to better serve employers and job seekers. The scheme has been praised by charities and youth groups for tackling important challenges that young people face.
Looking Ahead
While the Youth Guarantee currently focuses on England, the government plans to share what it learns with Wales and Scotland. These countries have their own programmes to help young people, and sharing ideas could improve support across the UK.
The Youth Guarantee scheme is a big step towards helping young people born between 2004 and 2007 find work or training. By providing money, support, and chances to learn, the government hopes to reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training. With real examples of success and strong community support, this programme aims to give every young person a fair chance at a bright future. It is an important move to ensure that no young person is left behind and that they can all contribute to the country’s growth.
FAQs
What is the Youth Guarantee?
It is a government scheme to help every 18 to 21-year-old in England find jobs, apprenticeships, or training.
Who is eligible for the Youth Guarantee?
Young people born between 2004 and 2007, especially those not in education, employment, or training (NEET), are eligible.
Which areas are involved in the Youth Guarantee pilot?
Eight regions in England, including Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, Tees Valley, East Midlands, West of England, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, and two pilots in London.
What kind of support does the Youth Guarantee offer?
The scheme offers job training, apprenticeships, mental health services, and free travel passes to help young people engage with work and education.
How does the Youth Guarantee help young people with disabilities?
It is part of a wider government plan that includes £1 billion to support disabled individuals and those with long-term health conditions into employment.
Will the Youth Guarantee be available in Scotland and Wales?
Currently, it is only available in England, but insights will be shared with Wales and Scotland, which have their own youth support schemes.
