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Youth Employment
16 March 2026
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Work and Pensions
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement discusses additional funding and reforms aimed at supporting youth employment through the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy.
Action Requested
The government is committing an additional £1 billion to create up to 200,000 job and apprenticeship opportunities for young people. The Jobs Guarantee will start in April with a phased rollout across selected regions, followed by a national launch later this year. Additionally, reforms include expanding Foundation Apprenticeships into hospitality and retail sectors, introducing new Apprenticeship Units aligned with Industrial Strategy priorities, and prioritising youth apprenticeship starts while defunding certain standards.
Key Facts
- Chancellor committed more than £1.5 billion to the Youth Guarantee.
- Additional £1 billion is being invested in the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy reform.
- Up to 200,000 jobs and apprenticeship opportunities will be unlocked by April.
- The total investment into the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy reforms is £2.5 billion over three years.
- The Jobs Guarantee will start in April for 18-21-year-olds in specified regions, followed by a national rollout for 18-24 year-olds in Autumn.
- Foundation Apprenticeships are expanding into hospitality and retail sectors.
- New Apprenticeship Units aligned with AI, construction, engineering priorities are being introduced.
- Three leadership and management apprenticeship standards will be defunded to prioritise youth apprenticeships.
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