Youth workers are the missing piece of the employment puzzle
Youth unemployment remains a core challenge across the UK, with recent announcements highlighting the growing number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). But behind the statistics are young people with their own ambitions, strengths and circumstances, many facing complex barriers to employment.
Much of the discussion around youth employment focuses on the practical: skills qualifications and job opportunities. Yet one approach that receives far less attention, despite strong evidence of its impact, is youth work.
Youth workers provide trusted, consistent relationships that help young people navigate the journey into the world of work. By taking a holistic, person-centred approach, they are able to make a tangible difference to young people, especially those furthest away from the labour market.
My experience in the Summer jobs programme has been going really well. I faced a couple of challenges, not knowing what to do or who to talk to. Sometimes just being in a new job, I felt intimated a bit. My youth workers helped me out, making sure that I’m all okay and messaging me every week just to check up, see if I’m alright.
– Summer Jobs participant, Jake
Hear how Cricketqube, a youth organisation is supporting 14–17-year-olds to build employability skills through sport leadership, sales and marketing. The video explores how the project has helped them listen more closely to young people, uncover challenges such as bullying, and better understand what young people need to thrive.
Summer Jobs
Connecting young people at risk of violence with a dedicated youth worker who supports them throughout a six-week paid work placement.
Alongside practical employment experience, young people receive personalised support to build confidence, improve wellbeing and mental health, develop workplace skills and navigate the expectations of employment. The trusted relationship with a youth worker helps participants build resilience, overcome challenges and make a positive transition towards longer-term employment or education.
Learn more about the Summer Jobs Programme
Building Connections
Connecting young people, youth workers and employers to create pathways into work.
Building Connections strengthens the role of youth workers as Community Link Workers, helping them build meaningful relationships with local employers and translate these partnerships into opportunities for young people.
Through careers events, employer engagement, workplace visits and work experience, young people gain valuable insight into different industries while building confidence, expanding their networks and developing employability skills.
The programme demonstrates what is possible when youth workers and employers work together to create more accessible, inclusive pathways into employment.
Discover Building Connections
Building Aspirations
Building confidence, skills and pathways towards fulfilling careers.
Building Aspirations is an employability programme designed for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Using a youth work approach, the programme helps young people develop the confidence, skills and aspirations needed to take their next step towards education, training or employment. Youth workers work alongside participants to identify and overcome barriers, recognise their strengths and create realistic pathways towards their goals.
The programme demonstrates how youth work empowers young people to believe in their potential while equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for future success.
Find out more about Building AspirationsOur previous programmes:
Hatch
Employability
The Hatch employability programme supported young people who are not in education, employment or training through a programme of workshops and paid work experience.
Throughout their journey, young people received consistent one-to-one support from a youth worker helping them build confidence, prepare for employment and overcome any challenges. The programme culminated in a real job interview, giving young people the opportunity to put their new skills into practice.
The continuity of support provided by youth workers is central to the programme’s success, ensuring young people remain engaged and feel supported throughout their employability journey.
Read more about HatchRecruiting a youth worker?
Recruiting the right youth worker can transform your employability programme. Our short guide outlines some of the key knowledge, skills and experience you should look out for to make sure you get the right person in place.
Download our handy guide
Applying for funding or reporting on impact?
Our quick guide highlights some practical tips for bringing your programme to life and demonstrating the impact of your employability work.
More on communicating your impact
