Lerwick Jobcentre Expands Partnerships to Enhance Youth Employment

The Lerwick Jobcentre has announced ambitious plans for the upcoming year, focusing on strengthening partnerships with local businesses to enhance employment opportunities for young people entering the job market for the first time. The centre aims to provide tailored support, ensuring that job seekers are better equipped to find meaningful employment.

Employer advisor Sarah Keay highlighted recent successes, noting an 8 percent reduction in claimants aged 18 to 24, alongside a significant 27 percent decrease in those aged 50 and over. These figures underscore the effectiveness of local employer engagement and personalized interventions. “Twenty-twenty-six is set to be a big year for us,” Keay stated. “Our team is focused on building even stronger connections with businesses and helping even more job seekers find the right roles.”

The Jobcentre will continue collaborating closely with employers, some of whom will recruit through its services. Keay mentioned that specialist support would expand, including tailored events aimed at both young people and those over 50. Partnerships with local organizations, such as the Shetland Community Bike Project, will facilitate quicker job placements and improve matches across a variety of sectors.

“Partnership working remains at the heart of how young people are supported on their journey into employment,” Keay added. Collaborations with initiatives like the Moving On Employability Project, Employability Pathways, and Skills Development Scotland provide young job seekers with essential resources, including CV and interview support, alongside connections to local employers.

These partnerships not only enhance job readiness but also foster confidence among young people as they take their next steps. “For anyone looking to begin their employment journey, 2026 could be the year new possibilities open up,” Keay remarked.

This initiative aligns with broader national trends, as new statistics indicate an overall employment rate of 74.7 percent, with approximately 2.6 million people currently employed. Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, emphasized the need for continued efforts, especially for younger demographics.

“Today’s figures show there are 513,000 more people in work compared to this time last year, but also highlight why we must go further, especially for our young people,” McFadden stated. To address this, the government is investing £1.5 billion to support hundreds of thousands of young individuals in starting their careers.

Additionally, former health secretary Alan Milburn is leading a review aiming to identify the barriers currently hindering the younger generation’s employment prospects. As part of the government’s new jobs guarantee program launching this month, young people will have access to paid work placements. McFadden urged employers to join established supporters like EON, JD Sports, Tesco, and TUI in this initiative.

The Lerwick Jobcentre’s efforts reflect a commitment to fostering stronger community ties and ensuring that young people are prepared to enter into a competitive job market. With a focus on collaboration, the centre aims to create pathways that lead to sustainable employment and empower the next generation.