Merton Council will create 100 apprenticeship opportunities over the next four years to help local young people build skills, earn a wage and start a career.
These apprenticeships are part of Merton Next Generation, the council’s new programme to reduce the number of 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) and build a workforce from local talent.
Merton Next Generation will also set up a structured work experience programme at the council for young people in Merton schools, with opportunities targeted at the young people who need them most, such as care leavers and those at risk of becoming NEET.
Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council, said:
“One young person not in education, employment or training is one too many. Every young person in Merton should have a route into work.
“Merton is putting tackling the NEET crisis at the forefront of everything we do, and we’re using the council’s convening power to help other local employers do the same.
“This commitment shows the council doing its part to bring down youth unemployment by creating apprenticeship opportunities that will give young people the skills and experience to start a career in the borough they call home.”
Merton Next Generation apprentices will be supported by Employ Merton, the council’s employability and job brokerage service, which has supported more than 500 residents since launching in 2025.
Employ Merton has already run initial pilots of a Youth Hub, bringing together mental health specialists, employers, DWP job coaches and community organisations to ensure young people on universal credit are getting the wrap-around support they need. Young residents have also benefited from Youth Jobs Fairs offering employment support, guaranteed interviews, health and wellbeing services, and a welcoming space where they can get a meal and expert advice.
A new dedicated Employ Merton team member will work with the new Next Generation apprentices from recruitment, throughout their time at the council, as well as supporting them to find their next step after completing their qualification.
Interested applicants can register their interest with Employ Merton now. More details on the roles and how to apply will be shared when recruitment opens in early 2027.