Evaluation report
Nov 2026
JobsPlus: feasibility study report
Assessing how a place-based employment support model can work for young people and how its impact could be evaluated in England
Partners
Institute for Employment Studies (IES)
What Works: testing youth employment interventions ·
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Institute for Employment Studies (IES)
Evaluation panel, Research & evaluation partner
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Overview
We commissioned Learning and Work Institute, in partnership with the Institute for Employment Studies, to assess whether the US JobsPlus model could be implemented effectively for young people aged 16–24 in England and how its impact could be robustly evaluated.
The feasibility study draws on programme management information, participant surveys, interviews with young people and stakeholders, and observations of programme delivery to examine:
- how effectively JobsPlus reaches young people and how it is being delivered across ten pilot sites
- young people’s experiences and engagement with support received
- how the model could be strengthened
- which evaluation design, data sources and outcome measures would be most appropriate for assessing casual impact.
Key insights
JobsPlus is reaching more young people than anticipated
Read more about JobsPlus is reaching more young people than anticipatedYoung people aged 16–24 accounted for 35% of registrations between December 2024 and December 2025, compared with an initial expectation of 20%. Across the ten pilot areas, 249 young people in this age group registered for support.
A trusted, youth-friendly approach supports engagement
Read more about A trusted, youth-friendly approach supports engagementCommunity hubs, tailored one-to-one support and relationships with local organisations help young people access employment support in a welcoming, non-judgemental environment. Participants valued the flexibility and continuity of support compared with more mainstream provision.
Young people need more than employment advice alone.
Read more about Young people need more than employment advice alone.Participants faced varied barriers, including limited work experience, skills gaps, low confidence, mental health challenges and financial insecurity. JobsPlus provided a combination of employability, wellbeing, financial, education and training support. Early findings suggest improvements in confidence, motivation, job-readiness and wellbeing, although these are not causal impact estimates.
An area-based difference-in-differences evaluation offers the most promising route to estimating impact
Read more about An area-based difference-in-differences evaluation offers the most promising route to estimating impactBecause JobsPlus aims to influence the wider culture of work in local communities, a randomised controlled trial is unlikely to be compatible with the model. An area-based approach could capture outcomes for all young people living in pilot areas, including those who do not directly access support.
Strengthening delivery and securing linked data are key next steps
Read more about Strengthening delivery and securing linked data are key next stepsGreater employer engagement, more consistent access to specialist services, stronger recruitment and retention of Community Champions, greater involvement of young people in service design, and more stable long-term funding could strengthen delivery. A robust impact evaluation will depend on timely access to linked Department for Education, DWP and HMRC administrative data.
Next steps
The findings provide a basis for progressing towards an impact evaluation of JobsPlus, subject to securing the necessary administrative data access and identifying suitable comparison areas.
The study recommends:
- Progressing the proposed area-based difference-in-differences design, with the percentage of 16–24-year-olds in education, employment or training 12 months after baseline as the primary outcome.
- Exploring secondary outcomes relating to training, apprenticeships, qualifications, employment, benefit receipt and taxable earnings.
- Confirming data-sharing arrangements and access to linked administrative datasets.
- Strengthening delivery through improved employer engagement, more consistent specialist support, investment in Community Champions, meaningful youth involvement and greater funding stability.
The study illustrates how feasibility research can inform both intervention development and the selection of an appropriate impact evaluation design. It also highlights the importance of aligning evaluation methods with how an intervention is intended to work.
Implications for policy and practice
Policymakers
Read more about PolicymakersConsider how place-based employment support can complement existing provision, particularly for young people who may not access mainstream services.
Employers
Read more about EmployersExplore opportunities to offer work experience, entry-level roles and clearer pathways into employment.
Delivery organisations
Read more about Delivery organisationsBuild trusted local relationships, tailor support to individual needs and strengthen links with specialist services and employers.
Researchers and evaluators
Read more about Researchers and evaluatorsConsider wider community effects when selecting an evaluation design, and establish data access and outcome measurement arrangements early.
Want to read the full feasibility report?
More about the programme
Check out more of what we’ve acheived with JobsPlus impact evaluation
JobsPlus impact evaluation
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