With nearly one million young people currently classified as not in employment, education, or training, concerns are mounting over the potential long-term impact of youth inactivity on social and economic outcomes. Andy Preston, former mayor of Middlesbrough and former fund manager, has called for a revival of a program similar to the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) introduced in the 1980s under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, arguing that modern Britain faces a comparable challenge.

Preston highlights that the rise of automation and artificial intelligence threatens to exacerbate youth unemployment and inactivity, suggesting that failing to address the problem now could lead to prolonged poverty and disengagement for many young people. According to Preston, these issues are not simply a matter of personal motivation, but the result of complex social and economic factors. “This isn’t just a harmless gap between school and a first job,” he said, describing the consequences as “deep unhappiness” and loss of confidence among young people.

The original Youth Training Scheme, introduced in 1983 amid a national unemployment rate of one in nine and youth unemployment estimated at 25%, provided young people with paid, 12-month work placements combining practical job experience with skills training. Employers across various sectors, including private companies, charities, local authorities, and even the military, participated in the scheme. Preston recalled his own experience training alongside YTS participants in the Royal Air Force, observing noticeable gains in their confidence and work readiness.

While the YTS was not without criticism—some placements were viewed as exploitative or offering low pay, then around £25 per week—Preston argues that the scheme’s benefits outweighed its shortcomings. He advocates for a modernized version of the program, proposing increased financial support, with stipends between £100 and £125 weekly, better mentorship, and shorter, flexible placement durations ranging from six to twelve months. Moreover, he suggests financial incentives be provided to employers who convert trainees into permanent staff or apprentices, creating clearer pathways to long-term employment.

Preston also emphasizes the importance of accountability on both sides, calling for consequences for young people who refuse legitimate opportunities without good reason, including potential reductions in benefits. He frames such measures as an expression of compassion designed to encourage responsibility and engagement, rather than punishment.

The call to reinstate a program akin to the YTS reflects concerns over the current government’s approach to tackling youth unemployment and inactivity. Preston questions whether contemporary political leaders have the resolve to implement such bold interventions, invoking Thatcher’s legacy as a model for decisive action. The debate continues over how best to support young people facing a rapidly changing job market amid technological disruption and economic uncertainty.