The Minister for Employment (on the right of the banner, above) has seen first hand how young people grow to believe in themselves through being challenged and supported on the Spear Programme.  

Dame Diana Johnson visited Spear Kennington, in London, last week and spoke with current trainees and their coaches, along with former trainee Rocky who finished Spear in 2023 and has since secured a job at Nando’s, where he has been promoted twice.  

Dame Diana said: “Programmes like Spear’s show what can be achieved when young people are given the right skills and confidence they need to move into work.  

“There is an important role for the wider voluntary and community sector in complementing and building on the work of the Department for Work and Pensions in its offer to young people backed by £2.5 billion investment which will create more than 500,000 opportunities. 

“This generation deserves every chance to succeed and it’s vital that they can access the opportunities to kickstart their careers from a range of sources.”

Spear's success

Dame Diana’s visit also included a discussion with the Bishop of Leicester, Martyn Snow, and Spear CEO Iona Ledwidge, along with representatives from other charities, on how third-sector organisations can best support young people into work.  

Currently, more than 1 million people aged 16-24 in the UK are not in education, employment or training, which is the highest number since 2013. The government is currently developing how Jobcentres can support them more effectively. 

Bishop Martyn recently spoke in the House of Lords during a debate on youth unemployment, citing Spear as a model of “confidence, coaching and a community that believes in” young people. 

Over 70% of those who finish the Spear Programme are in work or education a year later. 

Third sector support

Spear CEO Iona Ledwidge said: "We were delighted that Dame Diana and Bishop Martyn were able to see the Spear Programme in action for themselves and meet some of our trainees and coaches. During a discussion about how third-sector organisations like Spear can play a part in supporting young people into work, we shared insights from our two decades of success. 

“The minister was interested in hearing more about former Spear trainee Rocky's experience at the Jobcentre before he came to Spear in 2023, and we look forward to seeing government plans to transform Jobcentres to offer more tailored support for young people.” 

Bishop Martyn said Spear was an “absolute flagship” for its comprehensive coaching support and excellent outcomes.  

He encouraged every church to “discern how it could be involved in the wider support for young people to enable them to use their gifts and skills, including through meaningful work”. 

He said activity and provision might vary, depending on the context for each church.