The government has set out a new package of support aimed at tackling the growing number of young people not in education, employment or training. For employers across the east coast – from Scarborough to Skegness – this represents a timely opportunity to access funding, develop talent, and play a leading role in shaping the future workforce.
At the heart of the announcement is a stronger focus on helping young people aged 16–24 into work. A new Youth Jobs Grant will offer £3,000 to employers for every eligible young person they hire who has been claiming Universal Credit for six months. Alongside this, the expansion of the Jobs Guarantee from Autumn 2026, to include 18–24-year-olds, will create tens of thousands of additional subsidised roles.
For small and medium-sized businesses, the introduction of a £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for each new young recruit is particularly significant. Combined with reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy, this aims to make apprenticeships more accessible and better aligned with the needs of modern industries.
There is also a clear focus on sectors vital to our coastal economies, with new foundation apprenticeships in areas such as hospitality and retail from April 2026. These industries are key employers across our region and often provide the first step into work for many young people.
For businesses, these changes are not just about funding – they are about building a sustainable pipeline of skilled, motivated staff. With additional investment being committed nationally, the message is clear: now is the time to engage, invest and grow.
At TEC Partnership, our Business Engagement team is ready to support employers in understanding and accessing these opportunities.
Chloe Tate, Group Director for Business Engagement, said:
“This is really positive news for our region. These new measures give businesses practical support to bring in young talent, while also opening doors for young people who may have struggled to access opportunities.
We know that navigating new funding and policy changes can feel complex, but our team is here to help every step of the way. Whether it’s apprenticeships, recruitment support or workforce development, we’re committed to making sure local employers can benefit fully from what’s on offer.
Most importantly, this is about investing in our future – supporting young people to build careers and helping our coastal communities to thrive.”
As these changes begin to take shape, collaboration between education providers and employers will be more important than ever. By working together, we can ensure that this investment translates into real opportunities, stronger businesses and a more resilient local economy.