LONDON, May 19 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

* Severn Trentis the latest backer oftheYouth Guarantee,the Government's scheme to give every young person the chance to earn or learn * Thecompanyis creating400 employment opportunities for young people across the Midlands,supportingGovernmentactionto tacklethe water sector's skills shortage * Youth Guaranteehas already received backing ofmajor employers includingMcDonald's and the Premier League

Severn Trent,one of the largest water and sewage companies in England andWales,saystheopportunitiesfor 16 to 24-year-oldswillbe createdover the next three yearsas part of a new programme.They will includesix-monthpaidwork placementsacross a wide range of roles withinthe company,includingavariety of operational rolesandcustomer support agents.

Tosupport those from all backgrounds, 25 of the opportunities each year will be ringfenced for young people who have experience being in care.

Severn Trentisthe latest major employer to back the Government's Youth Guarantee,which aims to give every youngperson the chance to earn or learn.Other supporters include thePremier League, Channel 4,Royal ShakespeareCompanyand Pinewood Studios.

The Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy reformsare backed by £2.5 billion investment, providingemployment support for almost a million young people and unlockingup to 200,000 jobs and apprenticeship opportunities.

This comes in response to the rise in recent years of young people not inemployment,educationor training (NEET), whichis close to one million.

Severn Trent's commitmentalsocomes asan important stepin tackling the serious skills shortage facing thewater sector, with35% of skilled jobs currently going unfilled.

To mark the new partnership, the Minister for SkillsJacqui Smithvisited Severn Trent's training academy in Coventry, which opened in 2021, to meet young apprentices developing skills in operations,engineeringand other specialist roles.At the site, learnerstrain bypracticingreal repairs using indoor and outdoor rigs that simulate live water networks.

BaronessJaqui Smith, Minister for Skills said:

Every young person deserves the opportunity to build a career they're proud of and that is exactly what we are making happen through the Youth Guarantee.

It is great to seeSevern Trentjoininga growing number of household businesses backing our mission to open doors and deliver real opportunity across the country.

Their commitment shows how working hand in hand with businesses provides young people with the skills, the confidence and the chances they need to succeed.

Daniel Jackson, 19 Water technician who led the tour with Minister Smith said:

To be asked to lead the tour with the Minister was a real privilege. I started as an apprentice, and the Academy really helped give me the learning and opportunity to do well. I completed my programme and am now part of the leakage team - finding and fixing leaks and supporting our customers, and I love it.I'mexcited about where my career will take me.

Neil Morrison, HR Director at Severn Trent said:

We know giving a young person that first opportunity can be game changing, and at Severn Trent we are committed to providing experiences that result in positive outcomes. The Youth Guarantee isa great exampleon how we can come together to do just that.

Welcoming talented young people into our organisation, who bring with themnew ideasand fresh perspectivesultimately helpus be better as a business. Wefirmly believeno matter what organisation or business you are,there'sa role to play in unlocking genuine pathways for young people.

TheGovernment is working to boost opportunities foryoungpeoplemore widelyin the water andutilitiessector, with conversations ongoing withAnglian Water, the RPS Group and M Group.

The new placements build on the500 work experience placementsSevern Trent already provide annually, and 100 new apprenticeship opportunities each year, providing a vital route into skilled employment for young people at the start of their careers.

TheGovernment is working hand in hand with sector leaders toopen upearly career routes for young people, through both the Youth Guarantee and the Energy & Utility Skills Sector Entry Pilot.

Thepilotis delivered jointly by DWP and Energy & Utility Skills, andoffers nine accredited training modules, guaranteed interviews andhasanexpected 75% progression rateinto work.Industry leaders including theNational Grid, M Group,Murphy'sand Severn Trent have already committedto the scheme.

Thepackage of measures under the Youth Guarantee includea Youth Jobs Grant worth £3,000 for employers for every young person they hire aged 18-24 who has been on UC for six months, an expanded Jobs Guarantee offering subsidised work for eligible 18 to 24-year-olds, and new foundation apprenticeships in key sectors, including hospitality.

On top of this, the government is continuing its commitment to delivering Youth Hubs to every local area in Great Britain to establish a national network and address the almost one million young people not earning or learning - a rise of 248,000 between 2021 to 2024 - so that every young person can progress wherever they live.

Alongside these measures,JobHelpprovides young people with free, practical support to navigate their job search from CV tips and interview guidance to training opportunities and government support all in one place.

Further Information

Businesses interested in supporting the Youth Guarantee, either by providing work experience, training or employment opportunities, should visitbusiness.gov.uk/recruit.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.