Jobs Guarantee is a government-funded programme that supports young people, aged 18-21 into paid work when they have been out of work for an extended period. Between May and October 2026, we are looking to start 275 young people on six-month placements with local employers across Birmingham and Solihull.
Jobs Guarantee: West Midlands is dedicated to supporting local employers with their workforce needs, whilst building the skills young people need to sustain in meaningful work.
Our approach puts the young person at its heart. Participants receive two weeks of intensive pre-placement support to build confidence and readiness, followed by ongoing in-work wraparound support and regular check-ins from a dedicated Career Coach.
We also offer each young person access to a £300 bursary to help remove practical barriers, along with specialist mental health support to ensure a truly holistic approach.
We keep things simple. Once you register your interest, we will discuss your vacancy needs, confirm eligibility requirements, and guide you through the process to get your role(s) approved and live.
We will stay alongside both you and the young person throughout the hiring period and their time on placement, helping to reduce any barriers that might be identified.
We believe that with the right support, anyone can thrive in work. However, if the first placement is not the right fit, we can support a transfer between placements where appropriate.
Jobs Guarantee reduces the financial risk of hiring. Within scheme limits, 100% of wages are reimbursed up to 25 hours per week at the relevant National Minimum Wage, and employer National Insurance and minimum pension contributions are also covered where applicable. Employers can also claim up to £250 per participant towards eligible set-up costs (exclusive of VAT).
Wage reimbursements are made in arrears, so employers must be able to cashflow wages up front through PAYE. The first reimbursement is typically received around six to eight weeks after the employee’s start date, then on a four-weekly cycle following evidence that the individual is in work.
If you are an employer in Birmingham or Solihull with a vacancy to fill, please register your interest and a member of our team will get back to you at the earliest opportunity.
If you are a young person looking to take part, please speak to your Jobcentre Plus work coach who will be able to discuss eligibility and next steps.