A new Youth Employment and Skills Hub will be officially opened at Nelson College London, Northwood Road, Broadstairs CT10 2RZ, providing young people with access to training, career
support, and direct pathways into employment.The initiative has been developed by Nelson College London in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Thanet District Council. It aims to address barriers faced by young people entering the workforce and to create clearer routes into sustainable employment. The council has provided a funding contribution of £20,000.
The Hub will deliver a comprehensive programme of support, including employability sessions, digital and vocational skills development opportunities, CV and interview workshops, and one-
to-one career guidance. Through partnerships with local employers, the Hub will also connect participants with apprenticeships, work placements, and job opportunities. The opening event
will take place on Friday 22 nd May 2026 bringing together community stakeholders, employers, and young people to explore the Hub’s facilities.
The need for this new resource is reinforced by recent data showing that Thanet consistently faces the highest youth unemployment in the South East:
● The youth unemployment rate for people aged 18 to 24 in Thanet has risen to 12.1% (February 2026), a 0.1% increase from January.
● This rate is by far the highest in the South East and is significantly above the Kent average of 6.4%.
● The 12.1% figure equates to 1,060 people aged 18 to 24 who are not in employment.
● The current rate represents a significant recent high for Thanet, where pre-pandemic rates stood at around 7%. The three-month national rate for 18-24-year-olds (November-January) was 14.5%, the highest level since 2015.
The Youth Employment and Skills Hub forms part of Nelson College London’s wider commitment to improving employment outcomes and supporting economic growth across the region.
Anthony March, Jobcentre Plus Partnership Manager, said “It’s great to see the Hub now opening offering such needed support and advice to young people in Thanet. Thanet has the
highest unemployment rate for young people in the Southeast currently sitting at 12.1% and so this type of facility is welcome and will help so many young claimants on the pathway to employment. Our Work Coaches will be working from the hub four days a week seeing young people furthest from the jobs market.”
Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Thanet District Council said: “Thanet’s young people deserve the opportunity to succeed. The Hub gives them access to advice, guidance and resources to help them realise their potential in the world of employment and skills.
“I am delighted that Thanet District Council has been able to support the new Hub, with a £20,000 grant from Thanet’s Shared Prosperity Fund. I look forward to hearing positive outcomes in the months and years to come.”
