Free support still available for young people unsure about their future

6th October 2025

Telford & Wrekin Council is urging residents to act now as the final recruitment window for its UKSPF-funded NEET support programme draws closer.

Since the campaign’s relaunch in August, 10 young people have already been recruited, receiving tailored support to build confidence, explore career options and take their first steps towards a brighter future.

The NEET (Not in Education, Employment and Training) engagement and reduction scheme is a fully-funded Council initiative and part of the Council’s overall £7.7 million UKSPF (UK Shared Prosperity Fund).

It is designed to help young people aged 16–24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs).

The programme works by engaging with those closest to them - parents, carers, friends, teachers, and professionals - who can encourage them to seek support

Telford & Wrekin Council is committed to supporting young people to increase engagement and participation levels in education, employment or training and ensure they have a great transition into learning and work.

Local training provider Landau is delivering a series of training support packages for young people and the Council’s Job Box team will work with individuals and respond to their needs.

Working with Landau, Job Box will create an appropriate support path to help them back into education or employment, and provide an on-going individual needs assessment to allow the young person to develop and evolve.

The final intake for the NEET support programme closes on 19 December 2025.

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment & Skills said: “We’ve already seen the difference this programme can make. Ten young people are now on a better path because someone took the time to point them towards support.

“This underlines our commitment to helping young people across the borough to learn new skills and secure great jobs.

“We want to make sure every young person in Telford and Wrekin has that same opportunity before the final intake closes.”

Phil Taylor, Chief Executive of Landau, added: “We’re proud to be supporting young people in Telford through this UKSPF-funded programme.

“Already, ten individuals have started their journey with us gaining confidence, skills, and hope for the future.

“Our team is here to listen, guide, and help each young person take meaningful steps towards education or employment.

“There’s still time to access this free support, and we encourage anyone who knows a young person who’s struggling to reach out.”

The programme offers three strands of support:

• Personal development – building confidence, resilience, and coping strategies
• Skills development – filling gaps and preparing for further education or employment
• Work-related activities – CV writing, interview skills, and work tasters

Support is free and tailored to each young person’s needs. The Council’s Job Box team and Landau are working together to ensure every participant receives the right guidance and opportunities.

The programme is all part of the Council’s commitment to protect, care and invest to create a better Borough.

This continued investment is being introduced whilst the Council continues to offer the lowest rates of council tax in the Midlands and some of the lowest in the country.

To find out more or refer a young person, email telfordjobbox@telford.gov.uk