What the New Youth Guarantee Means for Young Wheelchair Users

If you’re a young wheelchair user thinking about work, training or your next steps, the government’s new Youth Guarantee might sound like big news. Apprenticeships for under-25s in small companies are becoming free for employers, and long-term unemployed 18–21-year-olds may be offered paid work placements instead of benefits. 

On paper, this could open thousands of opportunities. But what does it actually mean if you use a wheelchair? Will these new pathways be accessible, inclusive and realistic? 

Here’s a breakdown — with accessibility at the centre.

Free apprenticeships for under-25s: a chance to open more doors

Small companies often avoid taking on apprentices because of cost. With the new rules, employers no longer have to pay the usual 5% contribution for apprentices under 25. This could make them far more willing to offer roles. 

Why this matters for wheelchair users

More employers taking on apprentices = more chances to find a workplace that fits your interests, access needs and career goals. 

Potential benefits include:

• More openings in smaller local companies, which can be easier to get to than city-centre firms.
• A wider range of industries offering apprenticeships, including remote-friendly or hybrid roles.
• More opportunity to shape your career early, with training built in.
  

Paid work placements for long-term unemployed 18-21 year olds

After 18 months on benefits, 18–21-year-olds may be offered paid work instead of staying on Universal Credit.

How this could help disabled young people

For young wheelchair users who’ve struggled to find work because of mobility needs, inaccessible workplaces or lack of support, this could be:

• A way to avoid being "stuck" in unemployment.
• A stepping stone into longer-term work or an apprenticeship.
• A chance to gain experience without losing income.

But this only works if:

• the work placements are accessible
• employers understand and meet access needs
• transport support and workplace adjustments are built in

Without this, the "guarantee" isn't really a guarantee for disabled young people.

Will these apprenticeships and placements actually be accessible? This is the big question.

What the government promises

The Equality Act already requires employers to make reasonable adjustments — including:

• Accessible workspaces
• Adjusted hours
• Assistive technology
• Adapted tools or equipment
• Remote or hybrid work options where possible

In theory, these protections apply to all apprenticeships and placements under the Youth Guarantee.

What might still be challenging

Even with legal protections, disabled young people often face barriers not directly addressed by the Youth Guarantee:

• Lack of accessible transport to workplaces
• Inaccessible buildings not easily adapted by small businesses
• Employers who lack disability awareness or confidence
• Delays in getting adjustments in place
• Limited understanding of chronic conditions and fluctuating needs.

This means that while more opportunities may exist, wheelchair users may still have to advocate heavily for accessibility — or may find some roles are off-limits unless more support is provided.

How will this policy actually reach disabled young people?

Current estimates suggest the Youth Guarantee might reach only a small percentage of all young people who need help. That means disabled young people — already more likely to be unemployed — could be left behind unless accessibility is a core part of the rollout. 

To make it work for wheelchair users, the scheme will need:

• Disability-aware employer recruitment
• Guaranteed reasonable adjustments before start dates
• Proper workplace access audits
• Support with travel, taxis or remote options
• Dedicated advisers trained in disability inclusion

Without this, "opportunity" could quickly become "another system you have to fight."

So...what does this mean for you if you use a wheelchair?

The positive take

• There will likely be more apprenticeship places and more small employers willing to hire young people.
• Free training for under 25s removes financial barriers for your potential employer, which could make them more open to meeting access requirements.
• Paid placements give you a much-needed route into work, especially if previous jobs didn't accommodate your needs.

But there's still a gap

Policies can create opportunities, but accessibility decides whether disabled young people can actually take them. 

The Youth Guarantee could be a turning point — but only if inclusivity is built into every stage, not added as an afterthought.

Final thought

If you’re a young wheelchair user, these changes could expand your options. But you deserve more than just “more options” — you deserve opportunities that are genuinely accessible, welcoming and supportive.