NEWS

£3,000 grant for North Wales employers hiring young people

Rees Brown - Skills Portal Project Manager

Rees Brown

01.07.2026

Employers across North Wales can now access funding of up to £3,000 to help them recruit young people and create new opportunities in the region.

The Youth Jobs Grant, launched this week by the UK Government, is available to businesses that employ eligible 18–24-year-olds who have been out of work for six months. The initiative aims to boost youth employment while supporting business growth across North Wales.

The grant forms part of the wider Youth Guarantee, which is designed to ensure all young people have access to employment, training, or education opportunities.

Businesses can use the funding to:

  • Offset the cost of recruiting and employing young people
  • Support entry-level roles and career pathways
  • Invest in workforce development and skills

Alongside the grant, young people in North Wales will benefit from enhanced support through local jobcentres, including tailored careers advice, skills development, and access to job opportunities, apprenticeships and training.

The scheme represents a key opportunity for North Wales employers to strengthen their workforce while helping young people gain valuable skills and experience.

David Roberts, Chair of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership, said:

“Supporting young people into work is vital for the future of our region and our economy. This funding gives businesses a real incentive to invest in local talent and help the next generation take their first steps into employment.”

Employers can apply for the funding through a straightforward online process, with payments made in stages once employment is confirmed.

Find out more

Explore the Youth Jobs Grant and use the North Wales Skills Portal to discover a wider range of skills, training and recruitment funding opportunities available.

Business Wales Skills advisor using a laptop to present the flexible skills program