West Northamptonshire jobcentres set for a year of growth and new opportunities

With new jobs fairs, specialist programmes and a continued emphasis on helping people move into meaningful work, the team is ready to make 2026 a year of progress and success.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Julie Pritchard said: “2026 is set to be a big year for us. Our team is focused on building even stronger connections with businesses and helping even more jobseekers find the right roles.

“We’ll also be expanding our specialist support, including tailored events for young people and the over-50s, while growing our links with local employers

These partnerships will help us move people into jobs faster, with better matches and more opportunities across a wide range of sectors.”

Alongside this programme of support, the over‑50s claimant register continues to fall, as more and more people in this age group successfully move into meaningful and sustainable work across West Northamptonshire.

Partnership Success: SEN Teaching Assistant SWAP

A strong example of partnership working is the recent SEN Teaching Assistant Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) delivered at Northampton Jobcentre.

SCCU Training, in collaboration with Northampton Jobcentre and employer partner Simply Education, successfully delivered a five‑week programme offering a pathway into meaningful careers supporting children with special educational needs.

The SWAP included:

• Daily 1.5‑hour live interactive sessions, Monday to Friday
• Engagement tracking through attendance
• A final week of face‑to‑face interviews at Northampton Jobcentre with Simply Education recruiters

This programme offered jobseekers both training and a direct route into employment.

Key Outcome

• Six learners have already received job offers, with more expected as interviews continue.

Nikki Lowe - Careers and Wellbeing Advisor from SCCU Ltd said: “We were incredibly impressed by the quality, commitment and enthusiasm of the candidates referred to us by Northampton Jobcentre. Every learner engaged positively with the course and made excellent progress, fully embracing the support offered by our careers and wellbeing team. Their dedication and willingness to develop both professionally and personally played a key role in their success, and we are extremely proud of what they have achieved.”

Ongoing Support for Jobseekers

“With hundreds of vacancies available on the Find a job – GOV.UK website at any time—from hospitality to healthcare—we’re committed to helping people take their next step into fulfilling work throughout 2026.”

“Our Youth Work Coaches will continue to play a vital role in supporting young people as they navigate the world of work. Whether it’s CV guidance, interview coaching, or introductions to local employers, we’ll be offering hands-on support to help them build confidence and seize new opportunities. Our message to jobseekers is simple: if you’re ready to start your journey, 2026 could be the year your next opportunity begins.”

Ministerial Comment

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, said: "Today’s figures show there are 513,000 more people in work compared to this time last year, but also highlights why we must go further, especially for our young people.

"That's why are investing £1.5 billion to get hundreds of thousands of young people earning or learning, while former Health Secretary Alan Milburn is leading a review to help us get to the root of what is holding the younger generation back.

“Through our Jobs Guarantee launching this month we are helping young people find paid work placements, and we urge employers to come forward and join the likes of EON, JD Sports, Tesco and TUI who are already pledging their support.”