For those who came of age in the UK during the 1980s, the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) might spark a wave of nostalgia—or perhaps a shudder of dread. Introduced in 1983 under Margaret Thatcher’s government, YTS aimed to tackle soaring youth unemployment by offering school leavers aged 16 and 17 a blend of on-the-job training and vocational education. But as today’s youth navigate a vastly different job market, a provocative question emerges: Should these schemes be resurrected and made compulsory for young workers in 2025? Let’s dive into the legacy of YTS and explore whether it holds lessons—or warnings—for the present day.
What Was YTS, Anyway?
The Youth Training Scheme replaced the Youth Opportunities Programme (YOP) with a bold promise: to equip young people with skills for a shrinking job market. Backed by £1 billion in public funding, YTS offered placements in businesses, colleges, and workshops, blending practical experience with classroom learning. Trainees earned a modest allowance—starting at £25 a week—while employers received subsidies to take them on. By 1986, over 500,000 young people were enrolled, and the program stretched to two years, aiming to bridge the gap between school and work.
It wasn’t all rosy, though. Critics slammed YTS as a glorified excuse for cheap labour, accusing employers of exploiting trainees for menial tasks with little real training. Outcomes were mixed—some found permanent jobs, while others ended up back on the dole. On Tyneside, for instance, only four in ten participants secured employment post-YTS, highlighting its patchy success. Yet, for many working-class youths, it became a rite of passage, offering a taste of structure and purpose amid economic turmoil.
The Case for Bringing YTS Back—With a Twist
Today’s young workers face their own challenges: post-pandemic economic uncertainty, automation, and a gig economy that often prioritizes flexibility over stability. Youth unemployment, while lower than the 1980s peak, remains a stubborn issue globally. Could a modern YTS-style program, made compulsory, be the answer?
Proponents argue it could provide structure and skills to a generation at risk of drifting. A mandatory scheme might ensure every school leaver gains practical experience, levelling the playing field for those without family connections or resources to chase internships. Reputable employers like British Gas, who once offered quality training and qualifications, show it’s possible to do it right. With tweaks—higher pay, guaranteed training standards, and pathways to real jobs—a compulsory YTS 2.0 could prepare young people for a tech-driven world while easing employers’ hiring burdens.
The Flip Side: Why Compulsory YTS Could Flop
Not everyone’s sold on a YTS revival, especially if it’s forced. The 1980s scheme earned a reputation as “slave labor” among detractors, with some trainees stacking shelves or sweeping floors for a pittance. Making it compulsory today risks alienating a generation that values autonomy and purpose—think of the backlash when teens lost their phones for a day in a recent public services course. Low wages and dodgy employers could breed resentment, not skills.
Then there’s the job market itself. The 1980s saw a collapse in traditional industries; today, it’s about adapting to AI and green tech. A one-size-fits-all scheme might churn out workers for yesterday’s jobs, not tomorrow’s. Critics also point to the old YTS dropout rate—half left early, chasing “real jobs” or disillusioned by dead-end placements. Without serious investment and oversight, a mandatory program could just mask unemployment stats, not solve them.
Voices from the Past and Present
Reflecting on YTS, some look back fondly. “I started as a YTS at 16 and I’m still with the same company 37 years later,” one person shared online, crediting it for a stable career. Others aren’t so nostalgic: “It was pure exploitation—just keeping us off the streets,” another recalled. Today’s youth might echo that scepticism, especially if the deal feels like a raw one.
The Workers Union Says…
“So, should YTS return as a compulsory rite? It’s a gamble. Done right, it could empower young workers with skills and confidence. Done wrong, it’s a recipe for cynicism and wasted potential. As the debate heats up, one thing’s clear: any reboot would need to learn from the past, not just repeat it.”
