Published: October 26th, 2026
Skills shortages are holding back growth across the Marches, but what if the talent businesses need is already here?
The latest review by former Cabinet minister Alan Milburn found that 84% of young people who are not in education, employment or training want a job or training opportunity.
It also revealed that almost one million young people aged 16 to 24 are currently NEET across the UK.
This group represent an untapped pool of talent – and there’s plenty of support for employers across the Marches who want to make the most of it to help fill their own skills gaps.
Support available to employers
One of the most significant opportunities available is the Youth Jobs Grant.
The scheme provides employers with £3,000 for each eligible young person aged 18 to 24 who is claiming Universal Credit and has been looking for work for six months or more.
The scheme was launched in June 2026 and will remain open to new participants until October 2028. Jobs should be for at least 25 hours per week and are expected to last at least four months.
For businesses considering recruitment but concerned about costs, the grant can significantly reduce the risk of taking on someone with limited experience.
To find out more visit https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/youth-jobs-grant-2#summary
From 1 October 2026, non-levy paying employers can receive a £2,000 hiring payment for taking on eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24.
The payment will be made through training providers in two instalments of £1,000 and can be combined with other support, potentially taking the total assistance available to employers up to £8,000.
For businesses looking to develop skills over the long term, apprenticeships remain one of the most effective routes into recruitment and workforce development.
Of course, not every young person is immediately ready for a full apprenticeship programme.
Foundation apprenticeships provide an important stepping stone, typically lasting between eight and 12 months.
They are available across a range of sectors including construction, engineering and manufacturing, digital, health and social care, catering and hospitality and retail and administration.
For employers, they offer an opportunity to assess potential while helping young people develop workplace skills and confidence.
Sometimes the biggest hurdle is getting started.
Work experience placements, which can run from one to eight weeks, allow young people to gain practical insight into the workplace.
Work trials can last for up to 30 days, allowing employers and candidates to assess suitability before committing to employment. During this period, eligible jobseekers continue to receive their benefits.
Meanwhile the Jobs Guarantee – a part of the wider Youth Guarantee – guarantees fully funded, six month paid jobs to all eligible 18 to 24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months.
Many employers who have used work trials report that they reduce recruitment risk while helping identify promising future employees.
Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) provide another route into recruitment.
These programmes offer up to six weeks of fully funded pre-employment training, combined with work experience and a guaranteed interview.
For employers struggling to recruit into specific roles or sectors, SWAPs can help create a pipeline of candidates who have already received relevant training before entering the recruitment process.
Youth Hubs and Jobcentre Plus support
Employers do not have to navigate these schemes alone.
Youth Hubs connect young people with training, careers advice and employment opportunities, while Jobcentre Plus provides dedicated recruitment support for businesses.
There are Youth Hubs across the region. In Herefordshire it is called the Herefordshire YEH and in Shropshire it is delivered through a partnership between Shrewsbury Town Foundation and the DWP. The Telford hub is delivered by Telford College in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council and supported employment charity Landau.
Through the Jobcentre Plus Employer Services Line on 0800 169 0178, employers can access recruitment advice and arrange a callback from a local recruitment consultant.
A long-term investment in growth
The conversation around NEETs is often framed as a challenge for society. It is, but it is also a significant opportunity for employers.
At a time when businesses across the Marches are looking for skills, resilience and future talent, there is a large group of young people actively seeking a chance to prove themselves.
