Elevate Employment Services has submitted a detailed response to the Government’s Young People and Work Call for Evidence, sharing frontline insight into the barriers preventing young people from accessing employment, education, and training — and what would make the biggest difference.
As a provider of tailored employability programmes across South Wales and Southern England, Elevate works closely with young people, jobseekers, care leavers, ex-offenders, and those facing challenges such as mental health conditions, SEND, or skills gaps. Our response draws directly on this experience, as well as the outcomes of programmes delivered in Merthyr Tydfil, Dorset, Cornwall and Kent.
What’s stopping young people from participating?
Our evidence highlights several interconnected challenges that continue to hold young people back:
Mental health challenges and SEND
Long waiting times and high thresholds for NHS mental health support mean many young people are left without help at a critical stage. Through previous Traineeships and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) projects, Elevate supported young people experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD and self-harm — many of whom were unable to access mainstream provision.
In Cornwall, our UKSPF Youth Engagement project embedded mental health support directly into employability provision by employing BACP-accredited Wellbeing Counsellors. This integrated model proved highly effective, particularly for young people with undiagnosed or lower-level mental health needs.
A lack of entry-level jobs and apprenticeships
Young people, particularly those under 19, face shrinking access to entry-level roles. Apprenticeship growth has focused increasingly on higher-level opportunities, often taken up by older applicants, leaving school leavers without clear routes into work.
While the new Youth Guarantee promises 350,000 workplace opportunities for 18–21 year olds, eligibility criteria — including long Universal Credit requirements — significantly narrow access. Without additional support, many young people risk being left behind.
Transport and cost-of-living pressures
Rising travel costs, limited public transport, and the expense of work-related essentials make jobs and training inaccessible for many young people. For those already on low incomes, the financial risk of engaging can outweigh the benefits.
What would make the biggest difference?
Elevate’s response calls for practical, evidence-based solutions that reflect the realities young people face:
A strengthened Youth Guarantee with pre-employment support
Pre-employment programmes such as Traineeships provided a vital stepping stone for young people who were not yet work-ready. Although national take-up was lower than expected, thousands benefited — including young people with SEND. Removing these pathways risks excluding those who need additional preparation and confidence-building before entering paid work.
Integrated health-to-work pathways
Mental health support should be a foundational part of youth employment provision. Elevate is calling for a national wellbeing employability offer, enabling BACP-accredited counsellors to work alongside employment mentors. Our experience shows this approach improves engagement, confidence, and outcomes — particularly for young people who fall between education, employment, and health services.
Targeted financial and practical support
Subsidised transport and locally delivered provision are essential to reduce cost-of-living barriers and ensure opportunities are genuinely accessible.
Our message to policymakers
Young people do not lack ambition or potential. What they need is timely, flexible, and holistic support that recognises mental health, SEND, and wider social barriers as integral to employment outcomes.
Elevate will continue to work with government, local partners, and employers to advocate for systems that meet young people where they are — and help them move forward with confidence.
👉 Read the full Government Call for Evidence and our detailed response HERE