How Ongo is helping young people into work as national number of unemployed rises

RECENT Government figures have highlighted a growing challenge for young people entering the labour market, with nearly one million aged 16–24 not in education, employment or training.

Against this backdrop, Ongo is delivering practical support to make people are not left behind. This includes:

• A pre-apprenticeship programme
• Mentoring support
• Confidence building, CV writing, interview preparation and employability skills
• Access to training, qualifications and sector-based opportunities
• Mental health and life skills support
• Work placements and volunteering

Their Ongo Recruitment team matches candidates to suitable roles, as well as apprenticeships and trainee positions with local employers, providing clear and direct routes into work.

The impact of this support is already clear. In 2025/26, Ongo helped 243 people into work, filled 96 permanent roles, and supported the creation or mentoring of 52 apprenticeships.

They have an apprenticeship open day on Tuesday 28th July, 11am - 2pm at Ongo House in Scunthorpe. Drop in with your CV, meet the hiring managers, ask questions, learn more about the roles and discover what it's like to work at Ongo. Opportunities available include:

• HR Apprentice
• Asset Intelligence Apprentice
• Housing & Property Management Apprentice
• Customer Experience Apprentice
• Content & Digital Media Apprentice.

Through Ongo Talk, young people can access mental health and wellbeing support, including counselling and their Next Level programme provides in work support to help sustain employment and continue learning.

They also deliver weekly youth clubs in Westcliff and Barton-upon-Humber, as well as signposting to partners and wider employability programmes.

Future plans include supporting the delivery of the Government’s upcoming Jobs Guarantee scheme, which will offer paid placements of up to 26 weeks, along with Connect to Work, which will support young people with disabilities and health conditions into work.

Jan Williams, Head of Opportunities at Ongo said: “With unemployment rising and increasing competition, many young people are struggling to secure their first job or gain experience.

“We want to bridge that gap locally, giving young people and our tenants the support, skills and opportunities they need to succeed. They are our future and it’s so important they are invested in.

“If you’re a local business that could provide an opportunity, or if you’re a young person who’s struggling, please get in touch with our team.”

To find out more about Ongo and the support they offer, head to their website: www.ongo.co.uk.