Job help for young people: Free schemes to help find work, training or apprenticeships
The jobs market for young people can feel pretty dismal right now with record high numbers fearing long-term unemployment.
The amount of adults aged 16 to 21 who expect to have little chance of success in life has roughly tripled over the past decade, according to analysis by charity Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).
There are currently around 1million people not in employment, education or training.
Young people who are searching for work or training, can get ahead with free help including new government schemes.
We've rounded up nine schemes and sources of free job help that could help you find work or get the skills needed to start your career.
DWP Youth Hubs expansion
Youth Hubs are government backed community spaces that offer free employment support to young people aged 16 to 24.
This can include help with writing CVs, filling in job applications, interview prep, finding job vacancies, as well as training and apprenticeships.
Anyone aged 16-24 is welcome, you don't have to be claiming benefits such as Universal Credit.
There are Hubs across the UK and the government is planning to open even more, so check what support is available in your local area.
However, the youth hubs may have a different name in your local area.
Contact your local Jobcentre Plus to find your hub.
Extra help if you claim Universal Credit and are aged 16 to 24
If you're aged 16 to 24 and claiming Universal Credit, you can tap into support through the Youth Guarantee Journey.
This means you can get a work coach in a jobcentre, or a work coach in a Youth Hub or a youth employability coach.
They will help you look for work, training or an apprenticeship and find opportunities that could suit you.
The help is tailored but could include anything from a work experience placement to help applying for jobs.
You will have regular meetings with your coach on the journey, and also get support with personal problems that could be making it difficult to get a job.
For example, when going to training or work experience, you may be able to ask for money back for travel and childcare.
If you're claiming Universal Credit and want more help finding work, speak to your work coach about the Youth Guarantee Journey.
Find out more about what is available at your local job centre.
The Youth Jobs Grant scheme
A new Youth Jobs Grant has been introduced to encourage employers to recruit young people who have been out of work.
The scheme can provide employers with up to £3,000 when they hire an eligible young person.
To get the grant, the employer needs to hire an 18 to 24-year-old who has been claiming Universal Credit for at least six months and looking for work.
Though the employer gets the grant, and not the job applicant, it could be useful to mention to potential employers who may not know about the scheme.
Free college courses if you claim Universal Credit
If you're aged 19 or over claim Universal Credit or are unemployed, you can get tuition fees for training paid by the government.
The Free Courses For Jobs scheme offers adults the chance to study for:
A Level 3 qualification (equivalent to an A-level).
A Level 2 qualification in selected industries, including construction, engineering and manufacturing.
It helps you get the skills employers are looking for to improve the chance of finding work.
The exact courses available will vary depending on where you live and which colleges or training providers are offering them.
However, you could choose from a range of different industries and skills.
You can search for eligible courses using the National Careers Service Course Finder.
Once you've found a course, you'll then need to contact the college or training provider.
How to get work experience
If you've never had a job before, work experience can help develop the skills which will help .
It can also help you understand whether a particular type of job or industry is right for you.
Jobcentre Plus can help young people access work-experience opportunities, giving you the chance to develop skills and add to your CV.
Internships are similar to work experience, you can look for places on job sites such as Milkround.com, Not Going to Uni, Prospects, and Target jobs.
Or try going to direct to companies that you'd like to gain experience with.
Train through a Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP)
A Sector-based Work Academy Programme, known as a SWAP, can help you gain skills and experience for a particular type of job.
It essentially gives jobseekers who are 16 and over, and claiming benefits, the opportunity to apply for jobs.
The programmes are designed around local employers and can include work experience and help preparing for work.
Often completing the programme can give you a guaranteed interview with an employer.
SWAPs are available in England and Scotland and are particularly useful if you know which industry you want to work in but don't yet have the experience or qualifications.
Speak to your work coach to find out about SWAPs near you.
How to find a career you are interested in
The National Careers Service is a government service that helps provide careers guidance and advice.
You can use it to find training opportunities available near you, but also take a skills assessment to find out which careers you could be suited to.
There are also job profiles so you can understand what different roles entail.
Can you get Universal Credit if you're unemployed and under 25?
You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you're aged 18 or over, out of work or on a low income and meet the other eligibility rules.
However, the amount you can receive depends on your circumstances, including your age, whether you live with a partner and if you have children.
In some cases, 16 and 17-year-olds can claim Universal Credit.
If you're unsure whether you qualify, use a benefits calculator to help get an idea of what you could be entitled to.
These free tools are available at:
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