Manchester’s Young Talent is Ready. Are You?
Monday, 24th August 2026Social mobility is often talked about in terms of policy, strategy and long-term change. But for many young people across Greater Manchester, it can be something much simpler…a chance.
A chance to gain experience.
A chance to build confidence.
A chance to step into a workplace and prove what they can do.
What is the Youth Guarantee?
The Youth Guarantee Scheme is an initiative designed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to ensure unemployed young people have access to the support, skills and opportunities they need to move into employment, education or training. It represents a significant investment in helping young people overcome barriers and progress into meaningful careers.
Youth Guarantee Gateway
The Youth Guarantee Gateway provides young people with up to 13 weeks of intensive, personalised employability support. During this period, dedicated work coaches work 1-to-1 with participants to build confidence, develop work-ready skills and prepare them to enter employment, apprenticeships or work experience opportunities.
Youth Jobs Grant
One of the most exciting opportunities available to employers is the Youth Jobs Grant.
Businesses can receive £3,000 for every eligible young person aged 18 to 24 they recruit who has been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 6 months or more. The funding helps employers reduce recruitment costs while giving young people access to sustainable employment opportunities. Jobs must be at least 25 hours per week and expected to last a minimum of four months.
Find out more:
https://www.business.gov.uk/campaign/recruit-with-jobcentreplus/build-your-future-workforce/
Youth Jobs Guarantee
For young people who have been unemployed for 18 months or longer, the Youth Jobs Guarantee offers a fully subsidised route into work.
Delivered locally in partnership with The Growth Company, the programme provides eligible young people with 6 months of paid employment, while employers are reimbursed for wage costs, National Insurance contributions and minimum pension contributions for the duration of the placement. Greater Manchester is one of the initial rollout areas for the scheme.
The Work Experience Catch-22
One issue comes up time and again when speaking to young jobseekers…
“I can’t get a job because I don’t have experience, but I can’t get experience because I can’t get a job.”
For many young people, work experience remains the single biggest barrier to securing employment.
Employers understandably want candidates with workplace skills, confidence and an understanding of professional expectations. However, if no one opens the door, how can young people gain those experiences in the first place?
That’s where DWP’s specialist Work Experience Consultants can help.
Through Jobcentre Plus, employers can set up work experience placements lasting between 1 and 8 weeks at no cost to the business. Participants remain on benefits, while DWP can support with travel, equipment and childcare costs.
Find out more:
Why Offer Work Experience?
Many employers are surprised by just how much value a work experience placement can bring…
- Supporting social mobility by creating opportunities for young people who may otherwise struggle to access the labour market.
- Developing future talent and building a pipeline of motivated potential employees.
- Informal work trials that allow employers to assess individuals in a real working environment before making hiring decisions.
- Building a talent bank for future vacancies and recruitment needs.
- An extra pair of hands during busy periods, while providing valuable workplace exposure for young people.
- Enhancing your organisation’s community impact and reputation through meaningful social value activity.
There’s More Support Available Than You Might Think
Alongside work experience, the DWP’s dedicated team of Recruitment Consultants offers a wide range of recruitment support for businesses, including direct recruitment, sector-based work academy programmes, work trials, and more. All services are designed to help employers access talent while supporting people into sustainable employment.
Find out more:
https://www.business.gov.uk/campaign/recruit-with-jobcentreplus/build-your-future-workforce/
Let’s Put Manchester on the Map
There has never been a better time for Manchester-based employers to get involved.
Whether it’s offering work experience, creating a job opportunity, taking on an apprentice or participating in the Youth Guarantee scheme, the opportunity to make a difference is right in front of you.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact [email protected] or call the Employer Services Helpline on 0800 169 0178.
Let’s work together to put Manchester on the map and ensure every young person has the chance to fulfil their potential!