Young people in Brent East are set to benefit from a major national drive to create jobs and apprenticeships, helping more young people take their first step into work.
The Government has announced a £1 billion youth employment package designed to unlock 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships, alongside the biggest overhaul of apprenticeships, since Dawn was Minister for Young Citizens and Youth Engagement.
The measures include new financial incentives for employers to hire young people and expand apprenticeships, particularly through small businesses and sectors such as hospitality, retail, construction and technology.
The programme includes:
- £3,000 Youth Jobs Grants for businesses that hire young people aged 18–24 who have been searching for work
• A £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for small businesses taking on young apprentices
• Expansion of the Jobs Guarantee so more young people aged 18–24 can access paid work and training opportunities
• New foundation apprenticeships to help school and college leavers move into long-term careers
Dawn Butler MP, Member of Parliament for Brent East, said:
"I have always been a passionate campaigner for young people, and as a former Minister for Young Citizens & Youth Engagement, I am delighted by this major boost for young people delivered by the Labour Government, setting things back on track.
Too many young people feel locked out of the job market before they’ve even had the chance to prove themselves. This new investment will help open doors for young people here in Brent - whether that’s their first job, an apprenticeship, or the skills they need to build a long-term career.
Local businesses want to give young people opportunities, and this package helps make that possible. Every young person in Brent deserves the chance to earn, learn and build a future. This investment is about making sure that opportunity is there."
The announcement comes as nearly one million young people nationally are currently not in education, employment or training, highlighting the importance of creating more routes into work.