Wakefield has become the national testbed for a new government employment initiative aimed at overhauling jobcentre services across the UK. The Pathfinder pilot, launched this week, introduces locally tailored employment support in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield Council.
The trial includes a coaching academy, industry-focused careers events, and a more personalised jobcentre appointment model. It’s designed to move away from a centralised, standardised approach and allow local authorities to shape employment services that better reflect regional needs and employer demand.
The initiative also expands support to a broader audience, not just jobcentre claimants, helping to match local talent with roles in growth sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and the creative industries.
The first careers event under the scheme, held at Wakefield Exchange, targeted the creative sector and brought together local employers and training providers. Additional events focusing on manufacturing and technology are scheduled for the coming months.
According to government data, only 9% of employers currently recruit through jobcentres. The Pathfinder programme aims to bridge this gap by fostering stronger connections between employers, training providers, and job seekers.
If successful, the Wakefield trial will inform a nationwide rollout later this year.
