Youth Guarantee Trailblazer

VIY is proud to support the delivery of the UK Government’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme across 6 regions nationally, working in partnership with local authorities in Birmingham, Dudley, Liverpool, Walsall, the South Bristol and, most recently, Cambridge & Peterborough Combined Authority.

The programme supports NEET 18–21-year-olds to gain hands-on real construction skills and clear pathways into work or further training while renovating community spaces, with the goal of helping the majority progress into education, employment or training.

So far, we’ve delivered more than 13 projects as part of the programme, supporting over 100 young people to take part, with more than 80% of them achieving an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditations, while making a lasting difference to community spaces across the country.

Here are some highlights of our work so far:

South Bristol

At Hartcliffe City Farm in Bristol, NEET 18–21-year-olds helped create a new outdoor learning and community space that will support local residents, schools and families for years to come.

For Brandon, 21, the project transformed more than just a community space. After being out of work for several months and looking for a route into the trades, he joined VIY as a learner through South Bristol’s Youth Guarantee. His commitment and attitude on site quickly stood out and today he is employed by VIY as a Peer Mentor, helping other young people take their own first steps towards employment. Story featured in this BBC news article.

Hear directly from Brandon about his experience with VIY so far

Birmingham

From community centres to grassroots sports clubs, we’ve delivered 7 Trailblazer projects across Birmingham, improving important local spaces while creating opportunities for young people.

At Saltley Stallions, learners helped transform the site with new decking, sheltered seating and a covered viewing area for local families and spectators. See behind the scenes and mentoring in action here. Meanwhile, at King’s Heath Community Centre, young people including Ash, 18, and Ethan (hear from him here) boosted their confidence and employability through hands-on construction experience. Both are brilliant ambassadors for the Trailblazer programme and the impact that can happen when young people are given the opportunity.

Hear from Ash as she shared the impact this experience had on her confidence and employability skills

Liverpool

At the Joseph Lappin Centre in Old Swan, young people helped create a new community garden, including raised planters and outdoor seating areas that are now bringing local residents together through growing, learning and community activities.

For young people like Scott, 17,  the impact went beyond the project itself. Referred to VIY through Inside Connections, Scott joined the programme looking for experience to help him into work. After discovering a passion for supporting the centre, he has continued volunteering on site and is now exploring opportunities to progress into paid employment. Across the project, 100% of young people reported improvements in their hopes and aspirations, job confidence, physical health, wellbeing and happiness.

Hear from Inside Connections about the power of partnership and the opportunities being created for young people through Trailblazer programme

Dudley

In Dudley, NEET young people aged 18–21 taking part in the Trailblazer programme have been helping to improve important community spaces while gaining hands-on skills, confidence and real-life work experience.

Our first project in the area took place at Priory Park Boxing Club, where learners helped revitalise a well-used community facility through repairs, redecoration and the creation of new outdoor spaces for members and local residents.

Walsall

At the Transition and Leaving Care (TLC) Hub in Walsall, a brilliant group of care-experienced young people – alongside others who are NEET or at risk – completely revamped the outdoor garden into a safe, welcoming space.

The young people gained practical trade skills, confidence and valuable work experience, while leaving behind a lasting legacy in a place that supports young people just like them. Stories like George and Jaiden’s (hear from them here) show the real impact the programme can have when young people are given the opportunity to learn by doing and build confidence in their own abilities.

“The project has given George a lot more confidence and has brought him out of his shell. He seems like a totally new person.”

George’s Support Worker