THE minister for employment has visited Winsford Youth Hub to tour the site and meet some of the young people being helped by its services.

Separate from Jobcentres, Youth Hubs share spaces with partners including colleges, charities, training providers and councils, meaning people are able to access a range of services in one location.

Winsford Youth Hub, in Wyvern House, has several partner organisations operating from within the same building, including Citizens Advice, National Careers Service, Youth Offending Services, and Cheshire Youth Federation.

From hubs like this, DWP work coaches are helping young jobseekers access training and job opportunities, as well as a range of services to address wellbeing needs.

More than 110 youth hubs are currently providing this crucial support virtually, and as the country progresses carefully along the roadmap to recovery, hubs are now opening in physical locations – helping reach even more young jobseekers in the communities where they live.

Minister for employment Mims Davies MP said: "We’re giving young jobseekers everything we’ve got, youth hubs, specialist youth employability coaches and tailored employment programmes, as well as thousands of exciting jobs through the 'Kickstart Scheme'.

"This is still a challenging time for many young people, but our 'Plan for Jobs' is helping the next generation right across the country to boost their skills and get into work as we push to build back better.”

Anita McKnight, DWP youth work coach said: "This has been an amazing opportunity for me as a work coach to work specifically with young people.

"The change in some of the young people I support has been phenomenal and this has been accomplished through opportunities like Kickstart and working with our youth hub.

"I am proud to be a part of the transformation in a whole new world of work.”

Elise Mahmood, who secured a Kickstart role with youth work coach Anita’s help, added: "Being smack bang in the middle of a pandemic finding a job, let alone finding a job that you’d actually enjoy, is very difficult.

"Anita was so helpful in sending cool jobs that I’d enjoy over.

"I am now working at a sustainable fashion company and despite not being there long, am enjoying it more than any job I’ve ever had.

"Having the ability to choose from jobs that you genuinely enjoy despite not having too many qualifications is something I am so grateful for.

"Now I’m getting qualifications and work experience which will definitely help me get to where I want to be in the future."

Youth hubs, youth employability coaches, and the youth employment programme form part of the Government’s multi-billion pound 'Plan for Jobs' aimed at protecting, supporting and creating jobs for people of all ages across the country.

Contact your local Jobcentre to find your nearest youth hub, and for more information on support available for jobseekers aged 18-24, visit gov.uk/guidance/help-to-find-work-for-universal-credit-claimants-aged-18-to-24.