Free work and training support for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit
Key points
- From June 2026, if you are 16 to 24 and on Universal Credit, your Jobcentre must offer you the Youth Guarantee Journey — a plan for getting into work, an apprenticeship, or education from your very first appointment.
- At week 13 of your UC claim, you get a dedicated gateway meeting with a specialist work coach, followed by 4 weeks of intensive support and up to 6 options to choose from.
- Youth Hubs in many areas offer up to 6 months of support from a specialist youth work coach in a dedicated space — ask your work coach if there is one near you.
If you are aged 16 to 24 and claim Universal Credit, your Jobcentre must now offer you extra help to get into work, an apprenticeship, or a training course. This support is called the Youth Guarantee Journey. It started on 29 June 2026 and replaced the old Youth Offer at jobcentres across Great Britain.
What the Youth Guarantee Journey gives you
From your very first Jobcentre appointment, your work coach will build a plan with you. The aim is to help you into paid work, a qualification, or a training programme as soon as possible.
The types of support on offer include:
- Jobs — your work coach can connect you with local vacancies
- Work experience — unpaid placements to build your skills and CV
- SWAP — a Sector-based Work Academy Programme, which gives you free industry training and, in many cases, a guaranteed job interview
- Apprenticeships — paid work with a qualification built in
- Skills and vocational training — courses that lead to a recognised qualification
- Further education — a return to college if that is the right path for you
The week 13 gateway meeting
If you are still on UC and not in work or learning by week 13 of your claim, you will get a dedicated gateway meeting with a specialist work coach. This is an in-depth session to look at what you have tried so far and agree your next steps.
After the meeting, you get 4 more weeks of intensive help. Your work coach will put up to 6 specific options in front of you. You choose the ones that fit your situation.
Your work coach should arrange the week 13 meeting automatically. If week 13 has already passed and you have not had this meeting, ask your work coach about it at your next appointment — you do not need to wait to be invited.
Search for your next property on DSSmove →Youth Hubs
Many areas have a Youth Hub — a drop-in space separate from the main Jobcentre where a specialist youth work coach can support you for up to 6 months. Youth Hubs aim to be a less formal environment than a standard Jobcentre.
Ask your work coach whether there is a Youth Hub near you.
How to get started
Mention the Youth Guarantee Journey at your next Universal Credit appointment. Your work coach can check what is available in your local area and add it to your Claimant Commitment.
If you are unsure how to start the conversation, Citizens Advice can help you prepare. You can find your nearest branch at citizensadvice.org.uk or call 0800 144 8848.
Frequently asked questions
I am already past week 13 in my Universal Credit claim — can I still ask for this support?
Yes — ask your work coach about the Youth Guarantee Journey at your next appointment, and Citizens Advice can help you prepare what to say if you want support before you go.
Does the Youth Guarantee Journey apply in Northern Ireland?
No — the Youth Guarantee Journey covers Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) only, so if you live in Northern Ireland contact your local Jobs and Benefits Office for employment support.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-to-find-work-for-universal-credit-claimants-aged-16-to-24