Youth scheme extended after strong demand

A Tees Valley employment programme supporting young people into work has secured fresh Government funding following strong first-year demand.

The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer will continue for a second year after Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) secured £5 million from the Department for Work and Pensions.

The scheme supports 18 to 21-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training through paid placements, work tasters and employability support.

During its first year, the programme received interest from more than 1700 young people, with 390 completing pre-employment training and 238 securing paid placements.

Young people gained experience with organisations including Shape Café in Darlington, Axiom Events in Middlesbrough and Alice House Hospice in Hartlepool.

Additional support will now be introduced, including work taster opportunities for 16 and 17-year-olds and increased post-placement support for older participants.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “Backing our young people into good-quality jobs is one of the best investments we can make in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“This programme has already helped hundreds of young people take their first steps into the world of work, while giving local businesses the talent and support they need to grow.

“By extending the Youth Guarantee with fresh funding, we’re building on that success to create more opportunities, boost skills, and making sure no young person is left behind. 

“We’re determined to keep driving this forward.”

The programme is led by Tees Valley Combined Authority and delivered alongside Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and the region’s other local authorities.

Employers taking part can receive fully funded wages for placements lasting up to five months, helping reduce financial barriers to offering opportunities.

Councillor Lisa Evans, TVCA cabinet member for education, employment and skills and leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, added: “It’s fantastic to see both Cabinet and Government backing this programme for a second year after such a strong start.

“The success stories we’ve already seen show just how powerful the right support can be for young people and for businesses across our region.

“We’re looking forward to building on that momentum by bringing even more opportunities, more placements, and even better outcomes for our young people. 

“There’s plenty more to come, so I’d encourage both employers and jobseekers to watch this space for more developments soon.”

Companies wishing to express an interest in joining the Youth Guarantee in 2026/27 should go here, while young people interested in the programme can register their details here. 

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