Youngsters on universal credit to get opportunities in construction

YOUNG people on universal credit are set to be given training and workplace opportunities in construction, as part of new UK Government plans.

A new £820 million funding package will provide 350,000 opportunities in sectors such as construction, health and social care, and hospitality to break down barriers to employment.

In total, the UK Government said 900,000 young people on universal credit and looking for work will also benefit from a dedicated work support session, followed by four additional weeks of intensive support.

They will be referred to one of up to six pathways by their work coach: work, work experience, apprenticeship, wider training, learning or a workplace training programme with a guaranteed interview, designed in partnership with employers.

As part of the training, young people will receive six weeks of training, work experience, and a guaranteed job interview – giving them their first foot in the door towards meaningful employment.

Some 55,000 young people also stand to gain from a government-backed guaranteed job, which will begin roll-out from spring 2026 in areas with some of the highest need in Britain – including central and east Scotland.

Tracey Collins, director of emerging talent and social impact at Kier, said, “At Kier, we are committed to providing opportunities for young people and bring emerging talent into construction through hundreds of work experience and apprenticeship positions every year. It’s important that these opportunities are open to everyone, regardless of background or history, as every young person deserves the chance to flourish.

“To support this, we are delivering a number of initiatives to make Kier accessible to underrepresented groups including a pilot project with the Youth Futures Foundation as well as through our Kierriculum schools’ engagement programme.

“We believe that the Youth Guarantee will further strengthen this activity and we are proud to support the government’s work to collectively reduce long-term youth unemployment and help them reach a better future.”

UK Government work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden added, “Every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed. When given the right support and opportunities, they will grasp them. That’s why we are introducing a range of reforms to help young people take that vital step into the workplace or training and to go on and make something of their lives. This funding is a downpayment on young people’s futures and the future of the country, creating real pathways into good jobs and providing work experience, skills training and guaranteed employment.”