Ministers are set to announce plans this week to provide thousands of job opportunities for young people as part of efforts to tackle youth joblessness. The government will publish a series of “jobs plans” for key sectors, beginning with professional services and construction.
The plans will make 22,400 apprenticeships a year available to under-25s through accountancy, legal services and consultancy firms. Construction firms have agreed to provide another 40,000 placements.
Government and industry collaboration
The government hopes the jobs plans will help young people gain employment in key industries identified by Labour’s industrial strategy. They are also part of efforts to address the large number of young people not in employment, education or training (Neet).
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Reindustrialising Britain means giving workers the skills they need to get good jobs in growing industries. Too many young people are being denied the chance to get a foot on the career ladder. These jobs plans bring government and industry together to change that, opening up more apprenticeships, training and vocational routes into rewarding careers.”
Further plans and Neet report
Further jobs plans for the digital, technology and defence industries are expected later in the week. The announcements come ahead of a report on the Neet issue from former cabinet minister Alan Milburn, who is expected to make recommendations after the Budget at the end of October.
Almost one million young people are currently classed as Neet, according to the Office for National Statistics, contributing to the size of the welfare bill and making youth employment a key priority for the government.
Political response
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Too many young people have been locked out of opportunities for too long. These commitments will help change that by creating clear pathways into apprenticeships, training and good jobs. It’s encouraging to see even more industries backing young people with new opportunities to gain the skills, training and experience needed to succeed in the growing sectors of our economy.”
