09.07.2026

ABM and DWP partner to tackle rising unemployment

ABM, a leading provider of facility, engineering, transport and infrastructure solutions has joined the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Strategic Partnership Programme. Through tailored recruitment, training and mentoring initiatives, the programme is designed to build productive relationships with local authorities, businesses, and community organisations to create pathways into employment and long-term careers.

Working with the DWP, ABM will have access to a range of DWP programmes, including Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), work experience placements, mentoring circles and the Government’s Youth Guarantee initiative which is designed to prevent long-term youth unemployment by delivering a range of opportunities to young people – including a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant and 50,000 additional youth apprenticeships, supporting the Government’s mission to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to earn or learn.

The collaboration comes as the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that an estimated 1,012,000 young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were not in education, employment or training (NEET) between January and March 2026, representing 13.5 per cent of all young people in that age group. The figure has increased by 89,000 compared with the same period last year, highlighting the need for greater collaboration between employers and government to create meaningful pathways into employment.

ABM has long been creating pathways into employment and long-term careers for young people. Almost a quarter (22 per cent) of hires joining ABM's Experience Solutions team since 2025 have come either directly from education or after being unemployed for more than 12 months, underlining ABM as a genuine gateway to sustainable careers.

Building on this, the partnership with the DWP has already seen over 20 young people sign onto the Airport Academy programme, which operates at Gatwick, Heathrow, Liverpool, Stansted, Manchester and East Midlands airports. The Airport Academy model aligns closely with ABM’s key operations, providing tailored support and pre-employment training to help individuals prepare for careers within the aviation and facilities services sectors. These sectors offer stable opportunities, structured development and clear career progression pathways than many people don’t realise exist.

The collaboration will also expand access to careers for people who may face barriers to employment, including armed forces personnel, people with disabilities, mothers, partners and carers returning to work, people with previous convictions and the long-term unemployed.

Working across the facilities solutions and transport sectors, which includes airports, rail, and bus networks, ABM offers careers built on attitude, potential and a willingness to learn rather than formal qualifications or years of experience. Its approach is to hire for potential, recognising that skills can be developed and careers can be built. That culture of progression runs through the industry. David Miles, Vice President of Transport Operations, who now plays a pivotal role driving growth across ABM's transport operations, began his career as a cleaner. And Mile’s story is not unique; several leaders, have progressed from frontline roles to leadership positions.

Through the partnership, ABM will build on its existing community initiatives, including the Youth Careers Collective, delivering career insight projects in local communities to help ensure young people can see, consider and access careers they may not otherwise be aware of, supporting social mobility and developing future talent.

Charlene Ryan, Vice President of Human Resources for ABM UK & Ireland, said: "We believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t always equally accessible. At ABM, we’re committed to creating pathways into employment by hiring for potential, not just experience, and giving people the support they need to build long term careers.

“This partnership is about opening doors for more people, helping develop future talent and ensuring people from all backgrounds can access rewarding careers. Just as importantly, we’re committed to investing in our people once they join us through learning, development and opportunities to progress.”

As part of the partnership, ABM will benefit from a dedicated DWP point of contact, tailored recruitment support, access to the Jobcentre network and regular updates on employment initiatives. The partnership will also support the promotion of vacancies, candidate screening and matching, and access to targeted recruitment campaigns.

Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson DBE, said: “This partnership demonstrates what can be delivered when employers and government work together to open doors for young people across the UK.

“Young people deserve the chance to get on in life and build a better future, which is why we have introduced the biggest youth employment reforms in a generation, backed by £2.5 billion to create more than 500,000 opportunities for young people to gain the skills and confidence need to succeed.”

For more information about careers at ABM, visit https://www.abm.co.uk/careers.

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