A new grant of up to £3,000 per hire and a chance to showcase your team’s rising stars make now a smart time for employers to invest in young talent

For Somerset employers weighing up their next hire or looking for a low-cost way to raise their profile, two opportunities now open could be worth a closer look, both aimed squarely at businesses that want to grow their team and their reputation at the same time.

A grant that helps cover the cost of recruitment

The DWP’s Youth Jobs Grant, part of the wider Youth Guarantee, offers employers up to £3,000 per job when they recruit an eligible young person aged 18 to 24 who has been on Universal Credit and out of work for at least six months. For businesses planning to recruit, that funding can go directly towards the practical costs of bringing someone new into the team, whether that’s training, onboarding or simply covering wages while a new starter gets up to speed. It’s a straightforward way to reduce the cost and risk of taking on new staff, while building a pipeline of motivated employees who are ready to commit to sustained, paid work.

Free recognition that puts your business in the spotlight

Businesses can also raise their profile by taking part in Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s new Somerset Future 30 awards, which will recognise 30 outstanding young professionals aged under 30 who are making an impact in business, innovation or their community. Nominating a rising star from your team costs nothing to enter, and it’s a genuine opportunity to showcase the talent you’re developing and the culture your business offers, whether to clients, prospective employees or the wider Somerset business community. Individuals can also nominate themselves, so it’s worth flagging to any promising team members too. Nominations are free and must be submitted online by Friday 14 August.

Why it’s worth acting now

Councillor David Woan, Somerset Council’s Associate Lead Member for Business Strategy, said: “Somerset’s future economy depends on the people, skills and ambition we nurture today. Our businesses have a crucial part to play in opening doors for young people, helping them gain valuable experience and recognising the talent already making a difference across the county.

“The Youth Jobs Grant gives employers a practical way to create opportunities for young people who are looking to move into work, while Somerset Future 30 is a chance to celebrate the emerging leaders and innovators helping to shape Somerset’s future.

“I would encourage businesses of all sizes to look at how they can get involved, whether by recruiting, nominating a young person, or thinking about the wider role they can play in supporting skills and opportunity in Somerset.”

Take advantage of this opportunity

For businesses thinking about their next hire, the Youth Jobs Grant is a chance to make that decision easier financially. For those who already have strong young talent in their team, Somerset Future 30 is a free way to get that talent, and your business, noticed.

Employers can find out more about the Youth Jobs Grant through the Government’s Find a Grant service, and can submit Somerset Future 30 nominations online before the 14 August deadline.