National Grid launches £5 million fund for 5,000 UK NEET youth

National Grid plc announced a £5 million "Power Within Employability Fund" that will support up to 1,000 young people each year for five years, targeting those not in education, employment or training (NEET). The programme provides practical training, recognised qualifications, mentoring and assistance such as covering driving‑licence costs, with the aim of opening long‑term careers in sectors including clean energy, construction, engineering and infrastructure.

The investment aligns with the UK Prime Minister’s recent reforms to place technical and vocational education on an equal footing with academic routes and to address growing skills shortages across key industries. By offering direct pathways and industry‑specific support, the fund seeks to bridge the gap between young people and the skilled workforce needed for Britain’s future projects.