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’re there to help.
As well as matching you to job opportunities in your area, your Jobcentre Plus Work Coach can tell you about local employers who offer work experience, apprenticeships, volunteering opportunities and even self-employment options. Work Coaches tailor their advice to you, your needs and your skills. There are also specially trained youth Work Coaches who can give extra support if you need it.
You can also ask your Work Coach about the sector-based work academy programme (SWAPs). These provide short placements in different industries, so if you’re not sure what you want to do, they are a great way to try a sector you haven’t considered before and pick up some skills along the way. Talk to your Work Coach to find out more.

A Youth Hub is a place in your local area where you can get help with your job search. They bring together support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and help from local organisations, so you can get the support you need to build skills, find opportunities and move into work.
At a Youth Hub you can get help with job searching, CV writing, confidence building, training opportunities and meeting local employers. You’ll also find advice on mental health and housing support delivered by trusted partners.
There are already over 100 Youth Hubs across Great Britain, with many more being set up. Find out more about Youth Hubs.

If you live in one of these areas and are aged 18-21, you might be eligible for additional training and support from Government, based on your individual needs.
If you live in one of these areas, you could be eligible: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; East Midlands; Liverpool City Region; London; Tees Valley; West of England; and West Midlands.

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 career’s 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.