The North East has been selected to launch a new apprenticeship support service that aims to help 1,500 young people into jobs and training, with up to £10m of investment expected over three years.
The region secured a place on a new Department for Work and Pensions apprenticeship brokerage programme. The scheme aims to support 1,500 additional apprenticeship starts by March 2029, including at least 375 for young people currently not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Focus on key sectors
The programme, developed by young people in association with employers, schools and colleges, will initially focus on housing, leisure and tourism, and advanced manufacturing. These have been identified as key priorities for the development of the North East economy.
Young people will get online help to prepare for apprenticeship applications, interviews and assessments, along with support to guide them through the recruitment process. The service aims to help young people who miss out on one opportunity by quickly connecting them with alternative vacancies and training routes. Employers are also expected to sign up to ensure young people are matched with vacancies and talent is not lost to the region.
Addressing the NEET crisis
The North East has the highest NEET rates in the UK, with one in five young people in that classification compared to around one in eight nationally. The youth employment crisis has become one of the most pressing issues facing the country, and former cabinet minister Alan Milburn is due to deliver a landmark report to the Government on the issue in the next few weeks.
North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “There is no shortage of talent in the North East, but too many young people still struggle to find a route into work. We’re changing that.
“This new apprenticeship clearing service will make sure when one door closes, another opens. If you miss out on one apprenticeship opportunity, we will help you find the next one as quickly as possible.”
Cabinet discussion ahead
Sunderland City Council leader Christopher Eynon, a cabinet member on the North East mayoral authority, added: “Apprenticeships are a great opportunity for young people to work and train, gaining valuable employment experience and developing new skills at the same time.
“We have an extremely dynamic economy in the North East with a wide range of different skill sets that our employers need. This new approach is about bringing those opportunities together.
“If a young person misses out on one apprenticeship, we should be doing everything we can to help them find the next one, understanding the challenges, and making it easier for the small businesses that are the life blood of our economy to harness the potential they have to offer.”
The scheme will be discussed at the North East mayoral authority’s cabinet meeting tomorrow.
