Panel of young people to shape Youth Guarantee

A panel of young people with experience of being out of education, employment and training are set to help shape the Government's Youth Gurantee.

The new Youth Guarantee Advisory Panel is made up of 17 young people aged 18 to 24 and will meet regularly to discuss the biggest barriers they face to building their careers and advise what can be done to break these down.

The announcement comes as the latest data shows one in eight young people are currently not in education, employment or training.

Early insight from the panel has found that some of the most significant obstacles include mental health challenges and an overemphasis in school on UCAS applications instead of tailored careers advice, including alternative options like apprenticeships and training. Lack of public transport and access to digital tools and devices were also mentioned.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: "Young people know better than anyone the challenges they face – and the support they need to succeed.

"That’s why their voices will shape how we will deliver a Youth Guarantee that truly works, opening up real opportunities for every 18-to-21-year-old to be in work, training or education.

"Backed by our £45 million investment in targeted youth employment support, this is about unlocking potential, tackling inequality and transforming lives."

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "For too long, young people have been talked down to and had their opinions dismissed. The Youth Advisory Panel’s contributions so far have been incredibly insightful, and we are already starting to implement some of their suggestions.

"We have started to reform the apprenticeship system, reprioritising funding to young people, cutting red tape to make it easier to start or complete an apprenticeship and introducing foundation apprenticeships to give young people a route into careers in critical sectors. We are also committed to improving careers advice, as well as delivering two weeks’ worth of work experience for every secondary school pupil and providing access to mental health support in every school and college.

"We will ensure the Youth Advisory Panel’s views continue to be taken into account as we continue to break down barriers to opportunity to help young people thrive through our Plan for Change."