Derbyshire support service offers routes for 16 to 24-year-olds

Derbyshire’s Youth Employment Support service is offering routes into work, training and education for young people aged 16 to 24, as the county continues to focus on helping the next generation take practical steps towards their future careers.

The service is aimed at young people who are not currently in education, employment or training, often referred to as NEET. For those who feel uncertain after leaving school, college or a previous job, the support can provide guidance, structure and a clearer route forward.

For young people across Chesterfield, Bolsover, North East Derbyshire, Alfreton, Matlock, Ilkeston, Swadlincote and surrounding communities, early career decisions can feel overwhelming. Some may know exactly what they want to do but need help finding the right course or vacancy.

Others may have no clear plan and need support to explore options.

That is where a youth employment service can make a real difference. Rather than expecting young people to navigate the jobs market alone, it can help them understand what routes are available, what employers are looking for and how to take the next step.

Support may include careers guidance, help with applications, training signposting, confidence building and advice on apprenticeships or further learning. For some young people, the first step may be improving a CV. For others, it may be understanding how to apply for college, prepare for interviews or contact employers.

The service is particularly important because the transition from education to work is not always straightforward. A young person may leave school without the grades they hoped for, struggle with confidence, face transport barriers or feel unsure about workplace expectations. Others may have caring responsibilities, health challenges or anxiety about taking the first step.

Local support can help turn uncertainty into action. A conversation with an adviser can help a young person identify strengths, interests and realistic opportunities. It can also make the process feel less intimidating.

Derbyshire’s labour market includes a wide range of possible routes.

Young people may find opportunities in construction, care, hospitality, retail, logistics, manufacturing, administration, public services, digital roles and land-based industries. Some careers may require formal qualifications, while others may offer entry-level training.

Apprenticeships can be especially valuable for 16 to 24-year-olds who want to earn while they learn. They provide a route into skilled work without requiring full-time academic study. For young people who prefer practical learning, apprenticeships can offer structure, pay, training and workplace experience at the same time.

Traineeships, work experience and short courses can also help. Not every young person is ready to move straight into a full-time job. Some may need time to build confidence, improve basic skills or understand what working life involves. A gradual route can be more effective than pushing people into unsuitable roles.

Employers also have a role to play. Many businesses say they need reliable, motivated young workers but may not always know how to reach them. By working with employment support services, employers can connect with candidates who have potential but may need guidance or an entry-level opportunity.

The way organisations hire and manage workers is also changing. Some employers now operate across different locations, offer hybrid roles or need support with employment compliance as they grow. There are services that can help businesses understand employer of record options in the United Kingdom, particularly where companies are managing distributed teams or hiring across regions.

For young people, these changing work patterns may create new possibilities. Digital roles, remote support jobs and flexible employment can widen access beyond the immediate local area. However, they also require communication skills, digital confidence and the ability to work independently.

That is why digital skills should be part of youth employment support. Even jobs that are not considered technical often require online applications, email, workplace platforms or basic data entry. Helping young people feel comfortable with these tools can improve their chances across many sectors.

Confidence is another key issue. A young person who has faced rejection, struggled at school or spent time out of work may begin to believe there are no options available. Support services can challenge that by showing practical routes and helping individuals take small steps.

Parents, carers, schools, colleges and community groups can also help by encouraging young people to access support early. Waiting too long can make it harder to re-engage. The sooner a young person gets advice, the easier it may be to build momentum.

For Derbyshire, helping 16 to 24-year-olds into work and training is not only about individual futures. It is also about the county’s wider economy. Employers need new talent, communities need young people to feel hopeful, and local services benefit when fewer residents are left disconnected from education or employment.

The challenge is making sure support is visible and accessible. Young people need to know where to go, what help is available and that they will not be judged for needing guidance. Services must also be flexible enough to support different backgrounds, abilities and ambitions.

The Youth Employment Support service offers an important route for those who are unsure what comes next. Whether the answer is an apprenticeship, college course, training programme, work experience placement or first job, the aim is to help young people move forward.

For Derbyshire’s 16 to 24-year-olds, the message is clear: there are routes available, and support exists to help find them. With the right guidance, early uncertainty can become the first step towards skills, confidence and a working future.