The Jobs Guarantee Goes National in November: How 18–24s Can Get a Fully Funded Six-Month Job

The Jobs Guarantee is rolling out nationally across Great Britain from November 2026.

The programme gives eligible 18–24-year-olds a fully funded six-month paid job, with employment costs funded for up to 25 hours per week at the relevant minimum wage.

Participants also receive wraparound employability support before, during and after the placement.

The scheme is part of the Government’s wider Youth Guarantee, which aims to help young people move into work, education or training.

For NEET individuals, long-term unemployed young people and those who have struggled to secure a first job, the Jobs Guarantee can provide a structured route into employment.

Jobs Guarantee: The Key Facts

• Age: 18–24 at the point of referral
• Location: Great Britain
• Eligibility: Usually 18 months on Universal Credit and looking for work
• Job length: Six months
• Hours: Up to 25 hours per week funded
• Pay: Relevant National Minimum Wage
• Support: Employability coaching, training, job matching and progression support
• Delivery: DWP-appointed partners across 25 geographic areas
• National rollout: November 2026

The Government expects the national programme to support more than 90,000 young people over three years.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE JOBS GUARANTEE?

The national Jobs Guarantee is designed for young people who need more support to move into work.

You may qualify if:

1. You are aged between 18 and 24.
2. You have been claiming Universal Credit continuously for 18 months.
3. You have been looking for work during that period.
4. You are in the relevant DWP Intensive Work Search group.
5. DWP considers you suitable for a Jobs Guarantee placement.

DWP will assess eligibility and suitability.

You cannot apply directly to a Delivery Partner. You must be referred by DWP through your Jobcentre Plus work coach.

Being unemployed or not in education, employment or training does not automatically make you eligible.

However, many NEET individuals and young adults facing barriers to work may benefit from the programme if they meet the Universal Credit and work-search requirements.

Some participants may face additional barriers, including:

• Low or no formal qualifications
• Limited work experience
• Low confidence
• Anxiety or other health-related barriers
• Travel difficulties
• Caring responsibilities
• Housing problems
• English language needs
• Gaps in their CV

The programme includes support to help address these barriers.

WHAT DOES THE SIX-MONTH PLACEMENT INCLUDE?

The Jobs Guarantee is a real paid job.

You become an employee of the organisation providing the placement. The role must offer meaningful work, proper supervision and a clear job description.

A placement should help you gain:

• Recent work experience
• Workplace references
• Practical skills
• Confidence at work
• Sector knowledge
• Timekeeping and attendance experience
• Communication skills
• Experience working with colleagues and customers
• A stronger CV

The job should be equivalent to a normal role that is not funded by the Jobs Guarantee.

The placement must not replace an existing employee, contractor or apprentice. It must also meet basic employment, health and safety requirements.

The role may be new or an existing vacancy.

Employers can offer additional hours or higher pay, but the Government funding covers up to 25 hours per week at the relevant minimum wage. Any extra hours or additional pay must be funded by the employer.

The scheme can also support suitable apprenticeship opportunities. However, apprenticeships are voluntary and must be appropriate for the individual.

WHAT SUPPORT DO PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE?

The Jobs Guarantee is not just a wage subsidy.

It includes support before the job starts, support while you are working and help to move into sustained employment after the placement.

Before the job starts

You may receive:

• A work-readiness assessment
• CV development
• Interview preparation
• Confidence building
• Support with travel and practical barriers
• Job-specific preparation
• Guidance on workplace expectations
• Training linked to your target sector

During the job

Support may include:

• Regular mentoring
• Help with time management
• Support with communication
• Workplace problem-solving
• Advice on attendance and professional conduct
• Support with workplace adjustments
• Help to manage barriers that could affect retention

Towards the end of the placement

You should receive support to:

• Ask the employer about ongoing employment
• Update your CV with your new experience
• Prepare for interviews
• Apply for permanent roles
• Move into further education or training
• Progress into an apprenticeship

The aim is to help you move into sustained employment, not simply complete six months and return to unemployment.

HOW IS THE NATIONAL ROLLOUT DIFFERENT FROM THE BIRMINGHAM AND SOLIHULL PILOT?

The Birmingham and Solihull pilot is part of the first phase of the Jobs Guarantee.

Phase One began in six areas across Great Britain, including Birmingham and Solihull. It initially focused on eligible 18–21-year-olds and provided more than 1,000 funded job opportunities across the pilot areas.

The national rollout is broader.

Key differences include:

The national programme will run from November 2026 to November 2028, with final funded job starts expected by 1 May 2028 so that placements can finish within the programme period.

The model remains similar:

• DWP identifies eligible young people.
• A Jobcentre work coach makes the referral.
• A Delivery Partner provides support and job matching.
• The participant starts a suitable paid job.
• The employer receives reimbursement for eligible costs.
• The participant receives support to progress into work after the placement.

WHAT CAN EMPLOYERS CLAIM?

The Jobs Guarantee reduces the cost of offering a meaningful first opportunity to a young person.

DWP funds:

• 100% of eligible wage costs
• Up to 25 hours per week
• Up to six months
• The relevant National Minimum Wage
• Employer National Insurance contributions where applicable
• Minimum employer pension contributions where applicable

Employers can also claim up to £250 per participant for eligible onboarding costs.

This may include:

• Uniforms
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Basic work equipment
• Role-specific equipment
• Certain workplace adjustments

Employers do not claim the money directly from DWP.

The Delivery Partner manages reimbursement. Employers must provide evidence such as wage information and valid receipts for eligible onboarding costs.

Employers must also:

• Offer genuine, meaningful work
• Provide a safe workplace
• Provide supervision
• Avoid displacing existing workers
• Meet employment law requirements
• Provide statutory employment rights
• Support the participant to develop in the role

The Jobs Guarantee is designed to help employers build a future workforce while giving young people practical experience.

HOW DO YOU GET REFERRED?

You cannot self-refer to the Jobs Guarantee.

Follow these steps:

1. Speak to your Jobcentre Plus work coach.
2. Ask whether you may meet the eligibility criteria.
3. Discuss your work history, Universal Credit claim and job-search activity.
4. Complete any assessment required by DWP.
5. Attend the first meeting with the Delivery Partner if referred.
6. Take part in job preparation and matching.
7. Start a suitable placement.

The first referral meeting is important.

Attend on time, bring any requested documents and be ready to discuss:

• The type of work you want
• Your previous experience
• Your availability
• Travel options
• Any support you need
• Your preferred sectors
• Training that could improve your job options

The scheme is designed to provide a job opportunity, but you still need to engage with the process.

HOW ZEMS ACADEMY CAN HELP YOU PREPARE

Zems Academy provides practical training and employability support for people moving towards work.

Its employability programmes can help you prepare before a Jobs Guarantee placement and build the skills needed to succeed once you start.

Support may include:

• CV development
• Interview preparation
• Job-search support
• Functional Skills in English and Maths
• Workplace confidence
• Professional communication
• Sector-based vocational training
• Practical preparation for workplace expectations

Zems Academy supports training routes in sectors including:

• Security
• Construction
• Hospitality
• Traffic management
• Warehousing and logistics

You can view Zems Academy’s available training courses and discuss the best route for your career goals.

For security roles, training options include the Level 2 Door Supervisor Course and Level 2 CCTV Operator training.

For construction and site-based roles, options include the CSCS Card Package with Level 1 Health and Safety in Construction and Banksman Traffic Marshal training.

For hospitality and catering roles, Zems Academy provides training such as Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering.

Functional Skills can also help you meet common job requirements and improve your confidence with workplace reading, writing, communication and numeracy.

5-STEP ACTION PLAN: GET PLACEMENT-READY

1. Speak to your work coach

Ask about the Jobs Guarantee and confirm whether you may meet the eligibility criteria.

2. Check your documents

Prepare identification, Universal Credit information, your work history and any training certificates.

3. Build your CV

Include voluntary work, caring responsibilities, informal experience, education, training and transferable skills.

4. Practise interview answers

Prepare short answers about your strengths, availability, teamwork and the type of work you want.

5. Choose your target sector

Select a realistic route such as security, construction, hospitality, warehousing or logistics.

Then identify the training needed to become job-ready.

START PREPARING NOW

The national Jobs Guarantee begins in November 2026.

Do not wait until you receive a referral to prepare.

Speak to your Jobcentre work coach, update your CV and identify the type of job you want.

If you need Functional Skills, employability support or vocational training, contact Zems Academy now.

Explore Zems Academy training.

Get placement-ready. Build your skills. Secure your next opportunity.

Information is based on DWP Jobs Guarantee guidance published in 2026. Eligibility, delivery arrangements and referral decisions are made by DWP and may be subject to change.

Sources

• GOV.UK: Jobs Guarantee
• National Jobs Guarantee Scheme Grant Guidance
• Zems Academy training courses