Luton Youth Hub launches to help young people unlock their potential

The hub will provide personalised support to help 16-24-year-olds into jobs, training or to learn new skills.

It will also help them with advice on money, housing and health, with all the services together under one roof.

More than 300 young people are due to benefit from the hub’s support in the first year.

The Luton Youth Hub was opened by Dame Sarah Healey, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions, alongside Luton Council Leader, Councillor Amjid Ali, Councillor Lee Bridgen, Portfolio Holder for Enhancing Skills and Education and local MPs Rachel Hopkins and Sarah Owen. 

Councillor Bridgen said: “Every young person in Luton deserves the chance to fulfil their potential, regardless of background or circumstances. 

“We know talent is equally spread across our town, but opportunity isn’t. 

“The Luton Youth Hub will provide the welcoming, personalised support our young people need to build their confidence, develop skills and build their future.” 

Luton’s youth hub is part of a national rollout from the Department for Work and Pensions as the Government looks to turn the tide on the nation’s NEET rate. 

Nationally, around one in eight 16–24-year-olds are not in education, employment or training. 

In Luton, this equates to more than 3,300 young people who could benefit from targeted support. 

The hub is a key part of the council’s Emerging Potential Programme and a partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as well Luton’s employers, education providers and voluntary organisations. 

It’s part of the national expansion of youth hubs to over 360 areas, with the aim that a young person is no more than one hour away from a hub by public transport. 

Services young people can access at the Luton Youth Hub include careers advice, job application and interview coaching, work experience and training, and financial planning. 

Councillor Bridgen said: “Whether someone is looking for their first job, facing challenges with housing or finances or is just unsure about their next step, the hub can provide all the right support, all in one place.” 

The hub will help to connect Luton’s 16-24-year-olds with the town’s burgeoning sectors such as aviation, construction, health and social care, and hospitality. 

Shaun Sadler, Service Leader South Midlands District, Department for Work and Pensions said: “Youth hubs provide personalised support that’s not one size fits all and bring together all the support young people need to start learning or earning. 

“They are making vital support available to more young people and opening up links to local employers and real job opportunities.”