New youth hubs launch across Cornwall to help young people find training and work

A new network of Youth Hubs has officially launched across Cornwall to help young people access employment, training, and personalised guidance.  

Developed through a collaboration between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Cornwall Council, the hubs aim to remove barriers and help young people build brighter futures. 

The hubs have initially been set up in St Austell, Liskeard and Pool, with the potential for more to be created if the pilot proves a success.  

A launch event took place at the Chi Austell hub on Friday (March 20), attended by local dignitaries, councillors and community representatives. The Mayor of St Austell, Cllr Colin Hamilton, cut the ribbon to officially open the town’s hub. 

The Youth Hubs provide a single front door for young people aged 16–24 who are seeking help with: 

The partnership model brings together Jobcentre Plus staff, council services, local training providers, employers, and youth specialists, ensuring that young people receive integrated support in one place. 

The three hubs opened at the end of February and in their first month: 

Jane Cornelius, YEP (Youth Engagement Project) and Skills Hub Manager at Cornwall Council, said: 

“By joining forces, we are strengthening the support available to young people across Cornwall. These new Youth Hubs will ensure young people can get the right help at the right time, in a space that is welcoming and built around their needs. This collaboration enables us to tackle the challenges young people face—whether that’s employment, training, wellbeing or removing barriers to work. The Youth Hubs are a brilliant forward thinking example of collaboration done well, seeing need, meeting need.” 

John Rudkin, DWP Cornwall & North Devon Integrated District Operations Manager, said: 

“The Cornwall Youth Hub is an important addition to our employment offer, giving young people direct access to personalised work‑focused support in a space designed around their needs. By bringing together skills development, employability coaching and clear pathways into real jobs, we’re helping young people build the confidence, capability and practical experience they need to move into sustainable work.  

“This Hub strengthens our partnership with Cornwall Council and local employers, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to develop the skills our labour market needs and take their next step into employment.” 

Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families at Cornwall Council, said:  

“These new Youth Hubs are about making sure young people in Cornwall don’t feel they have to navigate things on their own. For many, the challenge is knowing where to start and having the confidence and support to take that first step. By bringing advice, mentoring and practical help together in one place, we can give young people the support they need to move forward into education, training or work. I’m keen to see how this approach can grow and support more young people across Cornwall.”