Ask for help

We meet lots of young people who have struggled at school and are now successful in jobs and training.

It isn’t easy to know what you want to do or how to get there - the best thing to do is so speak to someone. We’re happy to chat through your options!

Tune into our Facebook and Instagram live stream on Wednesday 22nd August from 4pm, to hear how Kiss FM DJs AJ and Neev, BRIT Award winners Rudimental and triple European Championships athlete Dina Asher-Smith handled exam stress to get to where they are today. 

Be true to yourself

If you’re not quite sure what you want to do next, that’s OK. There’s plenty of time to try out new things to find out what is right for you.

If you’re not able to answer all the questions below, that’s absolutely fine. These are just pointers to get you thinking about your next step.

  • What do you enjoy?
  • What motivates you?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • What type of work environment are you looking for?
  • What activities and subjects do you find interesting?
  • What are your goals?

Don't let your circumstances define your future

There are many reasons why you might be leaving school with few qualifications. Whatever your situation is, the right support can help you get back on track.

We run a range of FREE courses to help 11 to 30-year-olds get the practical and financial support they need to stabilise their lives. We help develop key skills, confidence and motivation – enabling young people to move into work, education or training.

Our FREE courses

Discover new talents with Get Started

Our Get Started programme offers short courses run by professional tutors in sport, music and creative arts for 16 to 25-year-olds. We’ll give you the chance to take part in a week of activities with help from inspirational experts. Working with partners including the Premier League, ASOS and Sony, you’ll work towards a group challenge while developing your skills and confidence.

What’s more, it’s completely free and won’t affect your Jobseeker’s Allowance. We’ll even throw in lunch and cover your travel expenses.

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Build your confidence with Team

Our Team programme is a 12-week personal development course for 16 to 25-year-olds, offering work experience, qualifications, practical skills, community projects and a residential week.

When you come on board, you’ll be challenged to:

  • Take on your own group community project, making a positive difference to the place where you live
  • Take part in an action packed residential trip
  • Get two weeks’ work experience in something you’re interested in
  • Develop your English and Maths skills

I'm interested

Get work experience with Get into

Our Get into programme provides short vocational courses that develops young people's skills in a specific sector for 16 to 25-year-olds.

With programmes running in a number of sectors - including retail, construction, logistics and hospitality - you'll spend time training on the job and gain valuable work experience in your chosen sector.

The course is completely free and won’t affect your Jobseeker’s Allowance. We'll cover your travel costs, and may be able to support with lunch and childcare costs during the course.

Find out more

Learn new skills on Fairbridge

If you’re aged between 16 and 25-years-old, you could try something new on our Fairbridge programme. Fairbridge offers you a mix of group activities and one-to-one support to develop the skills and confidence you need to move forward.

Starting with a five-day Access course, you’ll get the chance to do outdoor adventurous activities, as well as take part in a residential trip.

Once the Access course is complete, you can choose from lots of different activities from sports to drama and photography to cooking. We’ll work with you to help reach your goals.

Tell me more

Be your own boss with Enterprise

If you’re an A-Level student who hasn’t received the necessary grades to get a place at university, learning doesn’t have to stop here! In addition to the programmes outlined above, you may also be eligible for our Enterprise programme. Enterprise is a course available to unemployed 18 to 30-year-olds who are looking to explore the idea of setting up their own business.

From training and mentoring support to funding and resources, we're with you every step of the way. 

Find out more