£5m 'trailblazer' scheme will 'unlock potential' of region's young people

Elliot Jessett

26 November 2024 at 2:30 pm·2-min read

The Royal Liver Building in Liverpool is highlighted by early evening sun — -Credit: (Image: Liverpool Echo)

Thousands of young people across the Liverpool City Region are set to benefit from a £5m government initiative aimed at helping them secure work or training opportunities. As one of just eight regions selected as a Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, Merseyside is set to play a key role in pioneering new approaches to support 18–21-year-olds who are currently Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).

The 'trailblazer' scheme will form part of a £240m government investment that will trial engagement methods and employment support approaches. It is hoped the funding will provide robust evidence on how best to tackle both health-related economic inactivity and the challenges faced by NEET young people.

In relation to the Liverpool City Region, the 'trailblazers' will combine existing local initiatives and provide tailored support for young people, helping them to 'unlock their potential' and create new opportunities in the job market. The £5m funding allocated to the region is expected to significantly accelerate Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram's existing Young People’s Guarantee which is already committed to working with young people and helping them into employment, training or apprenticeship within six months.

The Liverpool City Region’s successful bid to become a 'trailblazer' is seen as a significant step forward in tackling the barriers faced by NEET young people. The programme was launched by the government as part of the Get Britain Working white paper and will explore solutions to economic inactivity and improving employment support

Steve Rotheram described the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer as a potential “game-changer” for the region’s young people, he said: "Too often, young people from Liverpool are held back, not by a lack of talent but by a lack of opportunity.

"This £5m funding will enable us to explore new, innovative ways to help those who need it most. Our Young People’s Guarantee has already made a huge impact, but this funding gives us the chance to go further."

The £5m funding boost is part of a broader drive to improve access to training and employment opportunities, ensuring that young people are not left behind in today’s competitive job market. Sefton Council leader and Cabinet Member for Employment, Education and Skills, Marion Atkinson said: "This initiative will not only enhance the quality of opportunities available but will also ensure those opportunities are more accessible across every community in the city region."

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