National Grid has announced a £5 million employability programme aimed at helping 5,000 young people into work over the next five years, becoming one of the first major employers to back the Government's recently announced technical education reforms.
The new Power Within Employability Fund will support up to 1,000 young people annually across the UK from the first half of 2027, providing training, qualifications, mentoring and careers support designed to help those not in employment, education or training (NEET) access long-term job opportunities.
The initiative comes as the Government seeks to place technical and vocational education on an equal footing with traditional academic routes, with a renewed focus on addressing skills shortages across sectors including energy, construction, engineering, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
National Grid said the fund would help participants build the skills, confidence and practical experience needed to secure sustainable employment while also supporting the development of the skilled workforce required for Britain's future infrastructure projects.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham welcomed the announcement, describing it as the type of employer-led response needed to support the Government's reforms.
“National Grid's announcement is exactly the kind of response we want to see,” he said. "Not only are they powering our country every day, but they're putting real energy behind helping thousands of young people gain skills, build confidence and take their first steps into work.”
He added: “We're determined to fix the youth unemployment crisis and restore opportunity and hope across the country.”
The programme will be delivered through specialist employment and skills partners, working with colleges, employers and local organisations to ensure support reflects regional labour market needs.
Participants will be offered a range of practical measures, including employability coaching, mentoring, job-readiness training and industry-recognised qualifications. Support may also include assistance with obtaining driving licences where transport creates barriers to employment.
The fund will help young people secure relevant qualifications providing access to opportunities in energy, construction and infrastructure. National Grid said participants would also benefit from direct links to employers, including opportunities across its own operations and wider supplier network.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh highlighted the growing demand for skilled workers within the clean energy sector, driven by substantial investment in the UK's energy transition.
“Young people up and down the country will benefit from 400,000 extra clean energy jobs by the end of the decade,” she said. “We're working closely with companies like National Grid to make sure people are trained up and taking advantage of these opportunities.”
Zoë Yujnovich, chief executive of National Grid, said the company was committed to helping young people access meaningful career opportunities while supporting the UK's infrastructure ambitions.
“Too many young people are being left behind, unable to access the opportunities, skills and support they need to fulfil their potential," she said. "That's why National Grid is launching a new £5 million fund to help around 5,000 young people not in education or work, to develop the skills, qualifications and confidence needed to build long-term careers.”
Pic: Shutterstock