Businesses encouraged to access Government funding and open doors for young people

The Youth Jobs Grant offers employers £3,000 for every eligible young person aged 18 to 24 they recruit, providing a valuable opportunity for local businesses to bring new talent into their workforce while helping young people gain the skills they need to build their careers.

The grant forms part of the Government’s wider Youth Guarantee programme, which aims to support more young people into employment and help them gain valuable workplace experience.

Eligible employers can receive £3,000 for each young person recruited, provided they:

• employ a young person aged 18 to 24;
• recruit someone who has been claiming Universal Credit and has been unemployed for six months or more;
• offer a genuine job opportunity; and
• meet the scheme’s requirements and grant conditions.

For young people taking part, the scheme provides a meaningful opportunity to secure paid employment, develop valuable workplace skills and gain experience that can improve their chances of moving into employment.

For employers, recruiting young people can provide an opportunity to address recruitment challenges and skills shortages, while bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives into the workplace.

Supporting young people into work also plays an important role in developing North East Lincolnshire’s future talent pipeline, helping to retain skilled people locally and contributing to the borough’s long-term economic growth.

Councillor Samuel Grice, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children and Education of North East Lincolnshire Council, encouraged businesses to see if the grant could work for them. He said: “A first opportunity in employment can make a huge difference to a young person’s future, helping them build confidence, develop skills and take steps towards a successful career.

“This grant is a great way for local businesses to play a part in creating those opportunities, while also strengthening their own workforce and investing in the future of North East Lincolnshire. I hope employers across the borough will find out more about what’s available and take the next step to support young people in our community.”

For more information on the grant and to start your application, visit https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/youth-jobs-grant-1.

If your business is looking to recruit, take on an apprentice, offer work experience or find out more about the Youth Jobs Grant, the Skills Team would be pleased to help. Email us at skills@nelincs.gov.uk.