I strongly believe that every young person should get a fair chance to get on in life and with a major £820 million investment by our Labour Government we take a step in the right direction as almost one million young people will benefit from new learning and employment opportunities. This funding will create 350,000 new training and workplace opportunities in sectors such as construction, health and social care, and hospitality. These roles will help young people develop practical skills, build employer networks, and receive CV and interview coaching, breaking down barriers to employment and ensuring every young person has the chance to reach their potential.

In total, 900,000 young people on Universal Credit and looking for work will receive dedicated support, starting with an intensive work session followed by four weeks of tailored help. They will be referred to one of six pathways: work, work experience, apprenticeship, wider training, learning, or a workplace training programme with a guaranteed interview designed in partnership with employers. This approach will provide a clear route into meaningful employment and long-term prospects. As part of this initiative, young people will benefit from six weeks of training, work experience, and a guaranteed job interview, giving them a vital first step towards a career. In addition, 55,000 young people will gain from a government-backed guaranteed job scheme, which will roll out from Spring 2026 in areas with the highest need, including Greater Manchester. More than 1,000 young people are expected to start a job in the first six months alone, supported by local partners and employers with fully funded wages and wraparound support.

Youth Hubs will also be expanded to every local area of Great Britain, bringing the total to over 360. These centres provide life-changing support such as CV advice, skills training, mental health support, housing advice, and careers guidance. This expansion ensures that young people everywhere can access the help they need to get back on track. This investment represents a major intervention to tackle the rise in young people not in education, employment, or training – a figure that has grown by 26% since before the pandemic. By creating real pathways into good jobs and providing work experience, skills training, and guaranteed employment, the Labour Government is delivering on its commitment to give every young person a fair chance to succeed and build a stronger economy for the future.

For Tameside, this programme will make a real difference. Hundreds of young people locally will benefit from new training and work experience opportunities in sectors where there is strong demand for skills, such as health and social care and construction. With Greater Manchester identified as one of the first regions for the guaranteed jobs scheme, young people in Tameside will be among the first to access fully funded six-month paid roles with wraparound support. The expansion of Youth Hubs will also ensure that local young people can access advice and guidance on careers, housing, and mental health, helping them overcome barriers and build a brighter future. I have always championed opportunities for young people in Tameside, from supporting apprenticeships and skills programmes to campaigning for fair funding for education and training. This new Youth Guarantee builds on that commitment, ensuring that every young person has the chance to succeed and contribute to a stronger local economy.