More than 800 unemployed young people across the West Midlands have already received personalised support through a £5 million Youth Trailblazer programme, delivered under the government’s Get Britain Working initiative.
The region is one of eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers in England, designed to help 16‑ to 24‑year‑olds who are not in education, employment or training overcome barriers to work and move into jobs, apprenticeships or training opportunities.
With the West Midlands having the third highest NEET rate for 16‑ to 24‑year‑olds in the country, the programme has become a core part of the region’s approach to supporting young people.
The early success of the scheme has led to a further £5 million commitment to continue the programme for an additional year.
Led by the West Midlands Combined Authority and delivered in partnership with local authorities, colleges, training providers and employers, Youth Trailblazer includes a range of practical interventions such as:
- Employer grants to create work experience placements for NEET young people
- Opening key training programmes to 18‑year‑olds to support progression into apprenticeships and employment
- Localised early‑intervention projects to identify young people at risk of becoming NEET
One example is a pilot led by Dudley Council, working with local colleges and partners to identify young people at earlier stages of disengagement. Through personalised coaching, employability skills development and confidence building, 18 young people have already secured placements across the borough.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said:
“Right now, around a quarter of people in our region don’t have the skills they need to land quality jobs and that’s a big reason why too many young people are out of work.
“Giving young people skills and job opportunities is at the heart of my West Midlands Works Plan.
“The Youth Trailblazer has already helped 800 young people take their first steps on the career ladder. With another £5 million secured, we can support hundreds more to overcome the barriers holding them back and get into good jobs.”
The Youth Trailblazer programme is expected to support more than 1,000 NEET individuals aged 18–21 during its first full year of delivery. A further 1,000 young people are set to benefit from the programme across 2026 and 2027.
The initiative aims to break down structural, financial and personal barriers that can prevent young people from entering sustained work or training. Support is tailored to each individual’s needs, increasing their chances of long‑term employment.
Youth Trailblazer reflects a collaborative, regional effort involving:
- Local authorities
- Colleges and training providers
- Employers and business groups
- Community and youth organisations
Together, partners are helping unemployed young people gain the experience, qualifications and confidence needed to move into meaningful work.
The programme is part of broader efforts to reduce youth unemployment and ensure young people across the region have access to early opportunities that can change the course of their future.
Image credit: iStock
