<p>How hard is it for young people to find a job and once they do how can they make it pay? </p><p>Some 16.1% of people aged 16 to 24 are not able to find work according to the latest government figures, the highest level for 10 years. Without a job, being able buying a home, paying into a pension or just pay the bills can seem impossible.</p><p>So what's the best way to go? Graduate job, apprenticeship or working your way up from an entry level job and what support is there for those struggling whilst on the hunt?</p><p>The Department for Work and Pensions told Money Box Live, "We’re determined to tackle youth unemployment, which is why we’re investing £1.5 billion through our Youth Guarantee in work experience, apprenticeships and subsidised jobs."</p><p>Joining Paul Lewis today is Barry Fletcher, Chief Executive of the Youth Futures Foundation, a charity focused on reducing youth unemployment. And Lizzie Crowley a skills advisor at the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.</p><p>Presenter: Paul Lewis Producers: James Graham and Sarah Rogers Editor: Robert Cave Senior Editor: Justin Bones</p><p>(This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 18th of February 2026)</p><p>Picture credit BAE Systems</p>