31 August 2026
First young people in Wales start work through new Jobs Guarantee scheme
The first cohort of young people in Wales has started work through the UK Government’s new Jobs Guarantee scheme, launched this summer to tackle long‑term youth unemployment. The programme offers a direct route into paid employment for 18–24 year olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for at least 18 months. Roles are matched to each participant’s skills, with the Government fully funding up to 25 hours of paid work per week for six months.
Around 3,500 young people in South Wales are expected to benefit over the next three years, with early placements already underway in Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Swansea, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf. Participants receive tailored support to overcome barriers to work, including confidence building, on the job skills development and personalised guidance to help them sustain employment beyond the initial placement.
The scheme is backed by major employers in construction, retail and hospitality, and forms part of a wider £2.5 billion UK Government investment aimed at reducing youth unemployment. Ministers emphasise that the programme is designed to provide “real jobs, proper wages and a genuine route into a career” for young people who have struggled to access stable work.
For practitioners, the scheme offers a new structured pathway for young adults who are furthest from the labour market, particularly those needing supported entry into employment with wraparound guidance.
Read more about the Jobs Guarantee placements.
Around 3,500 young people in South Wales are expected to benefit over the next three years, with early placements already underway in Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Swansea, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf. Participants receive tailored support to overcome barriers to work, including confidence building, on the job skills development and personalised guidance to help them sustain employment beyond the initial placement.
The scheme is backed by major employers in construction, retail and hospitality, and forms part of a wider £2.5 billion UK Government investment aimed at reducing youth unemployment. Ministers emphasise that the programme is designed to provide “real jobs, proper wages and a genuine route into a career” for young people who have struggled to access stable work.
For practitioners, the scheme offers a new structured pathway for young adults who are furthest from the labour market, particularly those needing supported entry into employment with wraparound guidance.
Read more about the Jobs Guarantee placements.
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