The UK government has announced plans to provide 300,000 new work experience and training opportunities over the next three years to tackle rising youth unemployment and economic inactivity.The scheme, which is backed by major employers including Manchester Airport and Gatwick Airport, will offer internships in areas such as construction, hospitality, health and social care, The Independent reports.The news comes just a day after a survey into youth inactivity warned that the UK could see an increasing number of young people lose their jobs and education.More than one million people aged 16 to 24 are currently classified as “NEET”, meaning they are not in employment, education or training, official figures released on Thursday showed.New opportunities will include work experience placements as well as sector-based Job Academy schemes, government-funded schemes that combine training, workplace experience and guaranteed job interviews for qualified candidates.Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said practical work experience plays a key role in helping young people build long-term careers.“The evidence is clear, by giving young people real work experience, their chances of building lasting careers are greatly increased,” McFadden said.The initiative follows a review led by Alan Milburn which found limited opportunities to gain work experience was one of the biggest barriers facing young job seekers.The report found that many students are required to arrange their own placements, often putting those without strong personal or professional networks at a disadvantage.Milburn believes opportunities to gain early work experience are becoming increasingly difficult to come by, creating a cycle in which employers seek experienced candidates while young people struggle to gain experience.The government says the expanded placement scheme aims to help close this gap and improve employment opportunities across the country.
