Jobcentre Plus support rolled out to schools

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has today launched a new scheme to provide employment support to young people; designed to help them think about their future career ambitions and make plans to realise them.

It will be offered as part of the Jobcentre Plus Support for Schools initiative. Local Jobcentre Plus advisers will give 12 to 18 year old pupils insight into the world of work and advice on options like traineeships and apprenticeships.

The advisers will help schools offer high quality work experience opportunities so that young people can gain direct insight into what potential employers are looking for and offer advice on the labour market. This will help them focus on gaining skills and experience they need to get on in life.

The level of support provided by the advisers will be decided on a school basis and will include setting up work experience placements, one-to-one advice and group-led question and answer (Q&A sessions).

DWP Comments

Speaking at the launch of the scheme Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith said: “Extending the Jobcentre Support into schools will have a dramatic and enormously positive impact on young people’s prospects – helping to ensure that the transition school to their pursuit is a smooth and positive one.”

“This scheme is fundamentally about social mobility and social justice – ensuring we give all young people the best chance to get on in life."

The government pledged to introduce demand-led, Jobcentre Plus staff to supplement careers guidance and help schools deliver their statutory duty to provide high-quality independent and impartial careers advice.

In 2017, every young person will be expected to be either earning or learning through the government’s welfare reforms. Three million more apprenticeships will be created on top of the two million created since 2010.  

Source: Department for Work and Pensions press release