Youth Guarantee - Skills Connect

Aged 18–21 and not in work, education or training? The Youth Guarantee project is here to help.

If you live in the West of England and aren’t in work, education or training right now, we’ve got free support to help you take your next step!

Whether you need help finding a job, starting training, or going back into education you can access careers advice, confidence building, travel support, and hands-on work experience.

The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer project is here to make sure no young person gets left behind.

Find support based on your needs

Employment support and coaching

Discover our pick of targeted courses, guidance and support for young people not in work, education or training.

Special education, complex needs and disability

Search the directory specifically for opportunities and support for young people with disabilities or complex needs.

Health and wellbeing support

Access specialist support for young people, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing.

Youth Guarantee projects

Youth Guarantee support is offered by teams in South Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Each team offers support to different groups.

South Bristol

Free careers and job support for 17–21 year olds living in South Bristol.

This service aims to give you a clear, simple path into work or training.

1-to-1 careers coaching to help you plan your future
Employability training to build your skills and confidence
Try out a job or volunteering through work tasters

Contact us by email yg@bristol.gov.uk or fill in this form to get started.

Bath & North East Somerset

Struggling to get to work, training or interviews? We can help.

If you live outside a big town or city, it’s not always easy to take the next step. If transport is stopping you from moving forward, we’ll work with you to remove those barriers – and connect you to the right support. We offer:

Free bus passes, e-bike loans or community minibuses
Work placements and interview opportunities with local employers
Coaching and advice to help you take the next step
We work with youth groups to make sure your voice is heard

Get started today, email: Youth_Trailblazer@bathnes.gov.uk

South Gloucestershire

In South Gloucestershire, this project is for young people who might need extra support including those with special educational or mental health needs. This programme is designed to help you build confidence and move into paid work or training – with support every step of the way:

Up to 4 weeks of careers coaching and job matching
An 8-week supported work placement with a 1:1 job coach
Tailored mental health and emotional support
Ongoing support after your placement
Help with transport costs
Maths and English support (for those aged 19+)

Complete the webform to speak to a Skills Connect advisor about Youth Guarantee.

Not sure about signing up? See how we have helped other young people in your situation.

“The support I received during this project was very helpful. It didn’t only help me build my work skills, but it also helped me build my confidence too. The most important thing I discovered through this programme is how rewarding these kinds of things can be.”

“I felt I have been given a lot of support by my mentor with just a couple of sessions. I can see my mentor shows a very good understanding with what I want and need and what actions should be taken and what stage I am at.”

“Gaining my CBT certificate now gives me more choices and the freedom to get a job.”

Not sure if this is right for you? Get in touch and we’ll help you figure it out.

Skills Connect advisors can offer you dedicated, free support to help you take your next step – whether that’s finding a job, starting training, or going back into education.

Speak to a Skills Advisor