Youth Futures Foundation responds to Government’s £1 billion investment into the Youth Guarantee and apprenticeship reform

“We welcome the Government’s additional investment and continued focus to tackle the stubborn youth unemployment and inactivity challenge. With one in eight young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), this extra provision is much needed to help support more young people into earning or learning.

"The Youth Guarantee has evolved positively to give young people a more coherent journey of support with different pathway options for young people on universal credit, including work experience, workplace training and guaranteed subsidised jobs with wrap-around help. Today’s announcement to broaden the age eligibility for the Jobs Guarantee so that young people up to age 24 who have been long term unemployed will be able to access this support is an important progression given that the NEET rate amongst 22–24-year-olds is currently even higher than for those 18-21.

"The international evidence tells us apprenticeships can be particularly impactful for getting marginalised young people into training and employment, and we also know young people want to take up these pathways, yet we have seen these opportunities decline by a third over the last eight years, especially at entry level. The extra incentives announced today to encourage employers to create more of these pathways is therefore very positive; continuing to make reforms to rebalance the apprenticeship system to ensure there are more opportunities for young people will be absolutely essential going forwards.

"Taken together with the pre-Christmas announcements on expanding Youth Hubs, and supporting better transitions from school, today’s enhanced package across education, employment and skills presents a significant step forward towards a more comprehensive system response, informed by the best evidence.

"Given the scale of the challenge, we will need to continue to build on this promising foundation in the coming years. The focus of the Youth Guarantee on those claiming Universal Credit means ‘inactive’ young people who are not claiming benefits risk missing out on support without dedicated outreach. In addition, those facing the greatest barriers, such as care-experienced young people and those with special educational needs, will require more targeted interventions and investment.

"The Investigation into Young People and Work, led by Alan Milburn, provides an opportunity for Government to deepen its understanding of these challenges and build on this promising package of measures. As we work collectively to tackle the issues and scale effective solutions, it is crucial that evidence of what works continues to guide policy and practice - ensuring all young people can access good work."

Barry Fletcher, CEO at Youth Futures Foundation