First area chosen to trial new jobs and careers service ‘pathfinder’

West Yorkshire will test ‘personalised’ jobseeker support

West Yorkshire will test ‘personalised’ jobseeker support

Wakefield is the first place in the country to trial a pilot scheme that aims to “personalise” a jobs and careers service for jobseekers.

A new “pathfinder”, which will work with employers to provide a “pathway into good jobs”, has been designed by leaders from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield Local Authority.

Mayor Tracy Brabin said the city is a “test-bed” for new ideas like a coaching academy for Department for Work and Pensions staff that will be rolled out across the country this year as part of its Get Britain Working plan.

DWP secretary Liz Kendall announced last year the National Careers Service will be merged with jobcentres across the country to tackle economic inactivity.

Close to 1 million young people are classed as not in education, employment or training (NEET). Estimated figures fell nationally by 7,000 in the last quarter to 923,000.

Government data shows that over 3,000 16 to 17 year olds were classed as NEET in 2024 in the six constituent councils that make up WYCA. Wakefield recorded 371 NEETs and a 3.5 per cent NEET rate, the third highest rate in the region behind Leeds and Calderdale.

The autumn budget announced £55 million will be spent to develop and test the new service in 2025/26.

It is not yet clear how much funding has been allocated to the Wakefield pilot.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority last week greenlit a £37 million plan to “guarantee a healthy working life” by linking up NHS services with employment support providers like jobcentres and councils.

DWP employment minister Alison McGovern will face MPs later this week to give oral evidence on the merger .

The new services to be piloted will include a new coaching academy, which will train up DWP staff to provide better support, and changes to DWP appointment services to give jobseekers “more personalised” for job seeker claimants.

Wakefield will also test a series of careers events to link up jobseekers with local employers. Officials said more events in the coming months involving the local manufacturing and technology sectors will be open to the public, not just jobseeker claimants.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “People stand a better chance of landing a good job when they are treated with dignity and respect at a trusted local Jobcentre. 

“Working with the government, we’re investing almost £40 million to help guarantee a healthy working life to everyone in our region, and as the test-bed for the new national Jobs and Careers Service, Wakefield will lead the way on transforming our welfare system to get Britain working.”

Councillor Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Everyone in our area deserves to be supported to access great employment opportunities. But for too long we’ve had an outdated, national approach to employment support which doesn’t take individual circumstances into account and isn’t tailored enough.

“By being part of this Pathfinder, we can help design the next generation of public employment services. Support more local people to access secure, well-paid jobs. And unlock more of the potential we’ve got in our district to build a stronger local economy for everyone who lives in Wakefield.”

McGovern added: “Our one-size-fits-all, tick box approach to jobs support is outdated and does not serve those looking to better their lives through work.

“We are building a proper public employment service in partnership with local leaders that truly meets community challenges and unlocks opportunity.”

Latest education roles from

Head of Programme 2D Studies – City Lit

Head of Programme 2D Studies – City Lit

FEA

Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary

Group Director of Governance & Company Secretary

New City College

Principal (Harrow College) – HRUC

Principal (Harrow College) – HRUC

FEA

Deputy Director of Apprenticeships

Deputy Director of Apprenticeships

Manchester Metropolitan University

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

Helping every learner use AI responsibly

AI didn’t wait to be invited into the classroom. It burst in mid-lesson. Across UK colleges, learners are already...

Advertorial
Sponsored post

Supporting the UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan Through Skills

The UK Government’s Decarbonising Transport: A Better, Greener Britain strategy sets a legally binding path towards a net-zero transport...

Advertorial
Sponsored post

Project power: ASDAN expands its qualifications portfolio

From 2026, ASDAN’s planned Foundation and Higher Project Qualifications will sit alongside its Extended Project Qualification[CM1] , creating a complete...

Advertorial
ATAs

Spotlight on excellence: Nominations now open for the Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards, celebrating outstanding employers and providers with national recognition, a...

FE Week Reporter

More from this theme

Careers

New-look Jobcentres to swallow up 1,000 careers advisers

The move is part of an 'overhaul' of the Jobcentre offer

Josh Mellor
Careers

Careers service shake-up ‘rebrand, not reform’, say MPs

The government wants Jobcentres to offer more employment support and careers advice

Josh Mellor
Careers

PAC: Unclear how DWP will spend £55m for merged jobs and careers service

MPs urges government to set out its plans for joint jobcentre/national careers service to avoid ‘rushed decisions’

Anviksha Patel
16-19, Careers

Mayors spending on youth to Get Britain Working

Some areas are investing in better systems to track whether young people stay in work or training as they...

Josh Mellor

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *