UK Government Launches £820 Million Youth Training and Apprenticeship Scheme to Boost Hospitality and Key Sectors

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a landmark £820 million funding initiative aimed at opening pathways to employment for the growing number of young people on universal credit, with a particular focus on the hospitality sector.

The programme, titled Plan for Change, is designed to create approximately 350,000 employment opportunities, combining on-the-job training, employer networking, and comprehensive CV and interview coaching to prepare young people for sustainable careers.

A key component of Plan for Change is the provision of 55,000 government-backed guaranteed jobs across sectors including hospitality, construction, and healthcare. These positions are scheduled to launch from 2026 in regions with the highest levels of youth unemployment, including Birmingham and Solihull, the East Midlands, Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire and Essex, Central and East Scotland, and Southwest and Southeast Wales.

The initiative directly addresses the alarming rise in young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), which now numbers nearly one million, a 26% increase since before the pandemic. By providing structured support and practical workplace experience, the DWP aims to ensure that every young person has the tools and opportunities to succeed.

“Every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed,” said Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden. “When given the right support and opportunities, they will grasp them. Plan for Change is about equipping our youth with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive in today’s workforce.”

Industry experts anticipate that the programme will be particularly impactful in the hospitality sector, which continues to experience skills shortages and high demand for trained staff. By linking training directly to guaranteed employment opportunities, the scheme seeks to strengthen workforce pipelines and support the long-term growth of the sector.

About Plan for Change: Plan for Change is a UK government-backed initiative under the Department for Work and Pensions designed to provide young people on universal credit with structured pathways into employment. The programme emphasizes workplace skills, mentoring, and regional employment support, with a focus on sectors critical to the UK economy.