One of the biggest challenges facing the pest management industry is attracting the next generation of professionals into the sector.
NPTA said it has been actively addressing this through the 5<25 initiative, encouraging more young people to consider careers in pest control and helping businesses connect with future talent. A new Government-backed programme now provides another opportunity for employers to do exactly that.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched the first phase of its new Jobs Guarantee scheme, designed to help young people aged 18-24 who have been out of work for an extended period gain valuable employment experience and move into sustainable careers.
What Is the Jobs Guarantee?
The Jobs Guarantee provides eligible young people with a fully subsidised paid job lasting up to six months.
Under the scheme, the Government will fund:
- 100% of wages for up to 25 hours per week at the relevant minimum wage;
- Employment costs for up to six months; and
- Additional wraparound support to help participants settle into work and develop their skills.
The programme is aimed at young people aged 18-24 who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months or more.
For employers, this creates a low-risk opportunity to introduce young people to the workplace, provide practical training and potentially identify future employees for long-term roles within their business.
Why this matters for pest control
Many pest control businesses tell us that recruitment remains one of their biggest challenges.
The industry offers rewarding careers, clear progression opportunities and the chance to develop specialist technical skills. However, many young people simply do not know that pest management is an option.
Kevin Lawrenson, NPTA chief executive, said: “The Jobs Guarantee gives employers the opportunity to:
- Introduce young people to the pest management profession;
- Develop future technicians and supervisors;
- Support local communities and youth employment;
- Address future workforce shortages; and
- Demonstrate the value and professionalism of our industry.
“Combined with initiatives such as 5<25, this scheme has the potential to help more young people discover a career path they may never have previously considered.”
First phase
The first phase of the Jobs Guarantee is currently operating in six regions across Great Britain – Birmingham and Solihull, East Midlands, Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire and Essex, Central and East Scotland and Southwest and Southeast Wales
Looking ahead
The Jobs Guarantee forms part of the Government’s wider Youth Guarantee programme, which aims to support more young people into education, employment and training while helping employers access new talent.
Mr Lawrenson added: “As the NPTA continues to champion initiatives such as 5<25, we encourage members operating within the Phase One areas to explore how this scheme could benefit both their business and the wider industry.
“Every young person who discovers a successful career in pest management strengthens the future of our profession. Programmes such as the Jobs Guarantee provide another valuable route to help make that happen.
“For more information about the NPTA’s 5<25 initiative and our work to support careers in pest control, please contact the NPTA team.”
