Serco helps over 420 young people into work through 'Youth Contract - Wage Incentive' initiative

Serco has helped over 420 young people into work in only seven months since the launch of the government's Youth Contract - Wage Incentive initiative, which provides extra support to help 18-24 year olds who are already on the Work Programme.

The Youth Contract, which Serco delivers in the West Midlands and South Yorkshire on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions as part of our Work Programme contract, has three elements: apprenticeships, support for disengaged 16 to 17 year olds and Wage Incentives.

Serco delivers the Work Programme and the Wage Incentive element of the Youth Contract through partnerships with an extensive network of local and national subcontractors. Shaw Trust* is one of Serco's delivery partners working closely with employers to provide employment opportunities for young people. Serco has an excellent relationship with Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) and has worked with Shaw Trust to build on the existing work with this employer. Through this partnership ten young people are now working with SARH learning trades from plastering, plumbing and landscape gardening through to fitting kitchens and laying floors. 

Mark Hoban MP, Minister for Employment said: "Youth unemployment is one of the biggest challenges this country faces but we are working tirelessly to tackle this problem. What we're offering through the Youth Contract is real practical support to both employers and job seekers, which we hope will give young people a head start in the labour market. With extra work experience places, more apprenticeships and wage incentives, we're giving young people the skills they need to find work and cutting costs for business to employ them."

Grace Kennedy, Serco's Contract Director for the programme, is pleased with the impact of the Wage Incentive element of the Youth Contract so far: "It is an excellent incentive to employers of all sizes to take on 18-24 year olds, giving them the opportunity to gain valuable experience for their future careers. I am delighted with the success Serco and our network have had supporting young people into work via the Wage Incentive and look forward to building on this and helping find new job opportunities for many more in the near future."