MP Gareth Snell Welcomes Launch of Youth Jobs Grant Scheme to Help Young People into Work

The Government has launched the Youth Jobs Grant Scheme, a major new initiative designed to help thousands of young people secure employment while supporting businesses with the costs of recruitment and training.

With more than one million young people currently not in education, employment or training, the Government is taking decisive action through its Youth Guarantee, ensuring every young person has access to learning, work or an apprenticeship opportunity. In March 2026, the Government strengthened this commitment with an additional £1 billion investment in employment and skills.

As part of this investment, employers across Great Britain can now apply for the Youth Jobs Grant, receiving £3,000 for every eligible young person they hire.

The grant is targeted at 18 to 24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit for six months and are actively looking for work. It aims to support employers with the upfront costs of recruiting and training staff while helping young people gain valuable workplace experience, build confidence and secure their first meaningful job.

The funding will be paid in two instalments:

  • £1,800 in the second month of employment
  • £1,200 in the fifth month of employment

To qualify, roles must:

  • Be at least 25 hours per week
  • Be expected to last for a minimum of four months
  • Meet all eligibility requirements set out in the scheme guidance

The Youth Jobs Grant forms part of the Government’s wider Youth Guarantee, which also includes:

  • 150,000 work experience placements
  • 145,000 Skills Bootcamps and sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) training placements, each with a guaranteed job interview at completion
  • A guaranteed job opportunity for up to 90,000 young people who have been unemployed and claiming Universal Credit for more than 18 months
  • A network of 360 Youth Hubs across Great Britain, providing local support and advice to young people in their communities

Employers can apply for funding through a straightforward online process. Which can be found at; Youth Jobs Grant – GOV.UK Find a Grant or business.gov.uk/recruit

The Government is encouraging employers of all sizes to take advantage of the scheme and play a key role in helping young people gain the skills, experience and opportunities needed to build successful careers.

Gareth said “Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge in Stoke-on-Trent, and supporting young people into education, training and employment is a key focus of my work in Parliament. This includes my involvement with the APPGs on T-Levels, Universities and Sixth Form Education, where I advocate for greater opportunities and stronger pathways into skilled careers.

“I warmly welcome this major youth employment initiative, which aims to create 200,000 jobs for young people, alongside the most significant reform of apprenticeships in a decade. By investing in the skills, ambitions and potential of young people today, we can ensure they are equipped to succeed, contribute to our economy and build brighter futures for themselves and our communities.”