More than 300 young people are to be supported into work, training or education after Telford College led a successful bid to create one of the UK's new Youth Employment Hubs.
The initiative will help young people aged 16-24 and will be delivered in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council and supported employment charity Landau.
The announcement comes as a landmark national report led by former health secretary Alan Milburn warns that Britain risks a 25% rise in the number of young people not in work or education, potentially reaching 1.25 million by the early 2030s, without urgent action.
The Milburn review describes the current situation as a "catastrophic systems failure" and calls for an overhaul of education, health, welfare and the jobs market to prevent a "lost generation".
Sarah Davies, Telford College executive director of partnerships and employer engagement, said the youth employment hub was precisely the kind of local, targeted intervention the review argues must be part of the solution.
“Over its first 12 months, the hub will support more than 300 young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) or who are in receipt of Universal Credit.
“The aim is to help 16-24 year olds progress into sustained paid employment, an apprenticeship, further education or a traineeship. We know what it takes to break down barriers in this borough and we're committed to working with our partners to make a real difference for the young people this hub will serve.
"The Milburn review makes clear this is a national crisis that needs urgent, practical solutions. Here in Telford, we know that when you give young people the right support at the right time, it changes lives and that is exactly what this hub is designed to do."
Telford College has built a strong reputation for transforming lives through education and employment support, recognised most recently when it was named Engaging Adults in Learning winner at the West Midlands Combined Authority adult learning awards.
"This new Youth Employment Hub is a natural extension of that work, bringing together the expertise of Telford College, Telford & Wrekin Council and Landau to give young people in our community the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to move into work, training or further education,” said Sarah.
Participants will receive intensive one-to-one support, access to accredited training — including English, maths and digital skills — employer-led events, work experience and mock interviews.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, cabinet member for children, young people, education, employment and skills, Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "
"Through the Telford Job Box, we currently provide a free service at Southwater One in central Telford, helping residents, including young people, to access employment, training and education opportunities.
"This runs alongside our Telford and Wrekin Skills Strategy and our Stay Near, Go Far campaign, where we're continuing to broaden opportunities and raise awareness of the wide range of skills, learning and employment support available to help people stay local and thrive.
Telford MP Shaun Davies said: “When I visit schools and colleges across our town, I see just how much talent and potential our young people have. It’s our responsibility to make sure they have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.
“Securing this Government funding through the bid led by Telford College is a real investment in their future.
“The new Youth Employment Hub will give young people a clear place to turn for the right advice and support at the right time - whether they are considering further education, searching for an apprenticeship, or taking their first steps into the world of work.”
Jobcentre Plus work coaches, employability specialists, mental health professionals and housing advisers will also be involved in the hub.
The Telford partnership brings a strong track record of delivery. Telford College's 'Into Employment' programmes supported 821 learners in 2024/25, with 309 progressing into employment across sectors including logistics, construction, health and social care and digital.
As well as a town centre base for co-ordination, there will be targeted outreach in rural areas, including the TF1 and TF7 postcodes, using a mobile teaching unit to ensure young people across the borough have equal access to support.
Six employer engagement events will be delivered in collaboration with DWP across the 12-month programme, including jobs fairs, sector insight events and apprenticeship fairs.
Pictured: Sarah Davies, Telford College executive director of partnerships and employer engagement
