More than 100 young people find jobs through Darlington scheme

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 12:32 · Archive

More than 100 young people aged 18 to 21 have found employment through the Darlington Employment Initiative, a paid placement scheme.

More than 100 young people aged 18 to 21 have found job opportunities through the Darlington Employment Initiative, a scheme designed to tackle youth unemployment and help businesses fill vacancies. The programme, funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority through the Department for Work and Pensions' Youth Trailblazer Guarantee Programme, helps participants build confidence, skills and experience through paid placements.

Since August 2025, the scheme has matched young people with jobs across several sectors, working with 65 local employers. Employers can train and assess candidates through extended work trials before committing to permanent positions. Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy at Darlington Council, said the initiative helps raise aspirations, minimises recruitment costs, supports smaller businesses and helps the local economy grow.

Shape Patisserie & Bake and sister businesses Banqo, Influence Café and Number 8 Bakehouse have participated in the scheme. The hospitality group, which struggled to recruit skilled bakers and front-of-house staff, offered placements to nine young people, eight of whom have since secured permanent jobs. Gabriel Howard, 20, now an assistant chef at Shape Patisserie & Bake, said the opportunity was 'life changing' and has allowed him to afford his own place after previously being homeless.

How it is being reported

• More than 100 young people find jobs through Darlington employment schemeDarlington Employment Initiative helps more than 100 young people into jobs, with paid placements supporting 65 employers through Tees Valley funding.Darlington & Stockton Times · 24 Oct, 12:00
• More than 100 young people find jobs through Darlington employment schemeDarlington Employment Initiative helps more than 100 young people into jobs, with paid placements supporting 65 employers through Tees Valley funding.The Northern Echo · 24 Oct, 12:00

In this story: Darlington Employment Initiative · Tees Valley Combined Authority · Department for Work and Pensions · Darlington Council · Shape Patisserie & Bake · Darlington · Chris McEwan · Gabriel Howard

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