Youth Guarantee Trailblazer
Let’s get more young people into employment and training.
Let’s get more young people into employment and training.
Can you offer a high-quality work placement to help a young person aged 18-21 who is not in education, employment, or training (NEET) gain the skills and experiences they need?
We’re calling on local employers to help get more young people into good, progressive jobs by offering structured, paid work placements (up to five months).
You can help equip young people with practical experience to secure sustainable employment or an apprenticeship, whether that’s within your business or elsewhere.
There is no requirement to offer a full-time job at the end of the placement, but high-quality, structured placements should be directly linked to vacancies in your business.
Wages for work placements will be fully subsidised for up to 25 hours per week, so there is no financial cost to your business.
Participants will be paid the National Minimum Wage which is currently £10.85 per hour for those aged 18-20, and £12.71 per hour for those aged 21+.
Funding may be available to help young people gain relevant qualifications and skills. Where additional training would support a successful placement, businesses can work with the local authority to explore training options and discuss any associated costs.
We will act as a gateway to match young people with the right work placement based on their skills sets and your business needs.
Your business won’t need to recruit for candidates, but you will have the option to undertake your own application process which could include submitting a CV and covering letter and attending an interview.
A dedicated key worker will offer pre-placement support to equip candidates with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the role. Key workers will be on hand throughout the placement to offer in-work support, including help to develop a training plan, access to education and training opportunities, and progress reviews. This will help ensure the best possible experience for both the young person and your business, leading to higher chances of job retention.
Young people aged 18-21 account for 6.7% of Tees Valley’s working age population, but youth unemployment is a critical issue. We need to see 830 more young people in employment to match the UK youth employment rate. Currently, there is a 2.9% gap.
We need your help to change this and to move more young people into sustained positive destinations, including good and progressive jobs or training opportunities.
It’s time to make your commitment – register your interest today.
Case Studies
Hightech
A paid work placement has taken Tyler's career to new heights, with the backing of local firm Hightech Industrial Access.
Axiom
Through our Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme, Josh and Layla have gained hands-on experience and are building careers in an industry they’re passionate about.
The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is open to applications from businesses outside of the Tees Valley, where a young person is able to travel to the business to benefit from work placements or taster sessions. Please complete the application to see if you could be eligible.
The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer is funded by the UK Government.
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