Almost 700 young people participating in the Government’s youth programme
Press release | Date: 21/09/2026 | Ministry of Labour and Social Inclusion
Since last autumn, hundreds of young people registered with seven different NAV offices have been given a fresh chance in the labour market. They earn an income in return for taking part in work-related or training activities, and they do not need to have a health issue in order to participate. The trial is one of several initiatives aimed at getting more young people into employment.
– I am pleased to see that the youth programme has made such a good start. Almost 700 young people who, for various reasons, have not found employment are now being given an opportunity to prepare for working life through the programme. These NAV offices have done a remarkable job in implementing the new programme in such a short space of time. We look forward to seeing the results and the impact of the programme on young people’s entry into work or education,’ said Minister of Labour and Social Inclusion Kjersti Stenseng.
Providing financial security in return for active engagement, the programme is designed to help more young people into employment, education or training. The trial is run by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) offices in Arendal, Kristiansand, Sandefjord, Skien, Porsgrunn, Bergen South and Bergen West.
Giving young people a pathway to work
– Around 100 000 young people in Norway are currently not in work or education. Finding work can be a challenge for many of them. This is a loss both to the individual concerned and to society, which needs labour,’ said Ms Stenseng.
The Government launched the youth programme in autumn 2025 in order to identify new and better solutions for young people not in employment, education or training. The aim of the trial is to establish whether an individually tailored full-time programme with clearly defined activity requirements and an alternative income guarantee without medical eligibility criteria can help to give more people a lasting attachment to the labour market. The programme also aims to prevent exclusion and reduce reliance on health-related benefits.
The participants are provided with an individually tailored full-time programme along with personal guidance. The activities can involve applying for jobs, practice placements, training and individual follow-up.
– We know that work and education open doors and create opportunities. It is therefore important that young people who need additional support are given a chance to succeed. The Government wants to see more young people in work, and the youth programme is an important step in preventing long-term exclusion,’ said Ms Stenseng. .
The trial will be evaluated, and a decision will be made in the next four years as to whether to expand the scheme to other parts of the country.