Support for young people claiming Universal Credit

If you’re aged 16 to 24 and claiming Universal Credit, you can get job search and skills advice from a few different places.  

Work coaches are experts on the local jobs market, so talk to yours about the options available to you. They tailor their advice to your needs and skills.
If you’re on Universal Credit and looking for work, you’ll get support from the start of your claim. Your work coach can help you to figure out your goals, build your confidence and move into a job, work experience, learning or training.
By week 13 of your Universal Credit claim, you and your work coach will have decided which of these pathways is best for you. Together, you’ll figure out the steps you can take towards employment, training or building new skills.

Sector-based work academy programmes (SWAPs) are short work experience placements of up to 6 weeks. They are available in all kinds of industries. At the end of your placement, you’re guaranteed a job interview or support with job applications.
Work experience can help if you haven’t worked much (or at all). It’s a great way to build core employability skills and boost your confidence. Placements last from 1 to 8 weeks.
Apprenticeships combine paid work with training. They’re a great way to earn while you learn. Apprenticeships take between 1 and 5 years to complete and you’ll get a qualification at the end – from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) to Level 7 (master’s degree equivalent). The training is funded and you get paid by your employer.
Your work coach can also help you explore other training, learning opportunities and local support. They can help if you’re thinking of going self-employed, too.

A Youth Hub is a place in your local area where you can get help with your job search. Youth Hubs bring together support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and other local organisations – so you can get the help you need to build your skills, find opportunities and move into work.
Youth Hubs can help with job searches, CV writing, confidence building, training opportunities and introducing you to local employers. You’ll also find advice on mental health and housing support delivered by trusted partners.
We’ve opened at least 130 Youth Hubs around Great Britain already – and there’ll be more than 360 in the next 3 years.

Find out more about Youth Hubs.

If you live in one of these areas in England and are aged 18 to 21, you might be able to get support from the Youth Guarantee Trailblazers, based on your individual needs:

The Trailblazer scheme helps leaders in the above areas make stronger links with local charities, colleges and employers, to better meet the needs of local people. This way, more young people like you can find the right education, job or training opportunity near where they live.

The Careers Services in England (external website), Scotland (external website) and Wales (external website) provide information and advice to help you make the right decisions about your career. Check out their websites for more details, including how to get in touch with a careers adviser.
Skills for Careers (external website) helps with skills and careers options, including apprenticeships.  
Youth Employment UK (external website) offers skills training, career guides and job search information. 
The King’s Trust (external website) provides support for young people, including personal development, careers advice and business training.