The Growth Company to deliver Jobs Guarantee across Greater Manchester

• The Growth Company has been awarded the contract to deliver the Jobs Guarantee across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester.
• The fully funded scheme, part of the Youth Guarantee, offers six‑month paid work placements for 18–21-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit for 18 months or more at no cost to employers.
• Employers receive end‑to‑end support, helping them build capacity, develop future talent, and tackle youth unemployment across the region.

The Growth Company will deliver the Jobs Guarantee scheme across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, supporting young people into work and helping employers grow at no additional cost.

The Jobs Guarantee forms part of the government’s Youth Guarantee, which aims to ensure that all young people have access to education, training, or employment opportunities. Through this programme, we will help turn that commitment into practical, paid jobs for young people and real support for employers.

The Jobs Guarantee is a fully funded government programme designed to tackle youth unemployment and economic inactivity by giving young people paid work experience. At the same time, it helps businesses work with new candidates, expand their teams, and play a direct role in supporting Greater Manchester’s economy.

Under the scheme, 18–21‑year‑olds who have been on Universal Credit for 18 months or more are offered a six‑month paid work placement for 25 hours a week, with fully funded wages.  

Employers offering placements will receive comprehensive support from the Growth Company, including help with recruitment, onboarding, and in‑work guidance for both the employer and employee.

Michelle Leeson, Director for Employment, Justice and Health at the Growth Company, said: “High youth unemployment is a big challenge for everyone.

“Too many young people are missing out on opportunities to gain experience and confidence, while employers struggle to find and develop new staff.

“The Jobs Guarantee helps address this problem on both sides. It gives young people a chance to get started in work and gives employers funded support to grow and create a clear line of sight to high quality jobs.

“We’re looking forward to working with local partners and VCSE organisations to make sure as many participants, employers, and communities across Greater Manchester benefit from this new support.”

Get involved

Employers of all sizes and from every sector are encouraged to register their interest in offering a Jobs Guarantee placement and help shape the next generation of Greater Manchester’s workforce.

Email employersupport@gcemployment.uk or call our team on 0161 233 2612 for more information.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 35-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health support across the North of England and beyond.

Learn more about the job support and employer services that we deliver.