EKC Group launches employer webinars to help businesses benefit from the Government’s Youth Guarantee

East Kent employers are being invited to discover how they can access 
thousands of pounds in funding and support through the Government’s 
Youth Guarantee programme, thanks to a new series of webinars hosted 
by East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group).

The Youth Guarantee is a government initiative designed to help young 
people access employment, apprenticeships and training opportunities, 
while supporting employers to recruit and develop emerging talent.
To help businesses understand the opportunities available, EKC Group will 
be hosting two free online employer webinars, providing practical 
guidance on available funding, apprenticeship incentives and how 
organisations can benefit from bringing young people into their 
workforce.

Upcoming employer webinars
• Wednesday 12 August, 3pm – 3.30pm
• Friday 18 September, 11am – 12pm

During the sessions, employers will learn how the Youth Guarantee can 
help reduce recruitment costs, address skills shortages and support 
business growth through targeted financial incentives.

Employers participating in the Youth Guarantee may be eligible for a range 
of funding opportunities, including:

• £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for every 18 to 24-year-old hired who has 
been claiming Universal Credit and seeking work for six months or 
more.
• £1,000 employer incentive payment for businesses of any size that 
take on an eligible apprentice aged 16 to 18, or 19 to 24 with an 
Education, Health and Care Plan or care experience.
• Employer National Insurance savings when hiring an apprentice 
under the age of 25 who earns less than £50,270 per year.
• £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for non-levy employers 
recruiting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 (available from October 
2026).
• 100% apprenticeship training cost funding for SMEs recruiting 
apprentices aged 16 to 24.

As a result, small and medium-sized enterprises could receive up to £6,000 
when recruiting a 16 to 18-year-old apprentice, or up to £5,000 when hiring 
someone aged 19 or over.

Levy-paying employers may also benefit, with funding worth up to £4,000 
available for young recruits under the Youth Guarantee, alongside fully 
funded apprenticeship training.

The webinars aim to give employers a clear understanding of the financial 
and operational benefits available, while highlighting the role businesses 
can play in creating opportunities for young people across Kent.

By engaging with the Youth Guarantee, employers can strengthen their 
talent pipelines, develop future skills within their organisations and access 
substantial recruitment incentives at a time when many sectors continue 
to face workforce challenges.

EKC Group’s Chief Communications Officer, Jamie Weir, said: "The Youth 
Guarantee is a great opportunity for employers across Kent to invest in the 
next generation of talent while accessing valuable financial support. 
"Through these live webinars, we want to help businesses understand the 
full range of opportunities available and demonstrate how working with 
young people can not only address skills shortages but also bring fresh 
perspectives and long-term benefits to their organisations.

"By connecting employers with the right information and support, we’re 
hoping to create more pathways into employment for young people across 
our region."

Businesses interested in learning more are encouraged to attend one of 
EKC Group’s employer webinars.

For further information, visit ekcgroup.ac.uk