A major scheme helping young people across the West of England into work, training and apprenticeships is celebrating its first anniversary, with more than 300 participants already supported.
The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer pilot aims to equip young people with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to take their next steps, particularly those facing barriers to employment.
In its first year, 125 young people have already progressed into work, apprenticeships, volunteering, education or training, highlighting the early impact of the initiative.
Participants receive tailored one-to-one advice alongside practical support such as access to digital devices and free bus travel, helping them get online and travel independently to opportunities across the region.
Young people involved in the programme have spoken about the difference it has made. One participant said, “My confidence has increased immensely since beginning the project and engaging with my mentor, and because of this project, I was offered paid charity work at my placement.”
Another added, “I was able to take public transport independently to reach my work placement and despite having panic attacks and severe anxiety, I felt really valued when I previously hadn’t.”
A third participant said, “I have received excellent support from my mentor and have managed to boost my confidence around myself and work.”
The scheme received a further boost in June 2025, when an additional £5 million of funding was confirmed for its second year. This will expand support to care leavers in North Somerset and strengthen partnerships with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.
Events have taken place in Bristol and South Gloucestershire to mark the milestone, bringing together young people, employers and partners to celebrate progress so far.
Helen Godwin said, “This first year of our regional Youth Guarantee is demonstrating our ability to make a difference. The prospects for hundreds of young people have already changed for the better, and we applaud their hard work and commitment whether it’s been attaining a job, educational course or other opportunities in the voluntary sector.
“Just like them, every young person in the West of England deserves the chance to succeed, so now is the time to step things up a gear. With more funding for the Youth Guarantee during this second year, we can provide even more advice and support to help give more young people more opportunities.”
Regional leaders including Kevin Guy, Tony Dyer, Mike Bell, Maggie Tyrrell and Ian Boulton praised the programme’s success.
They said, “After just one year of the pilot, the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer has delivered exceptional results. Through a combination of personal coaching, emotional wellbeing support, English and maths tuition, and real work experience, we have seen young people taking part in the initiative grow in confidence, independence and motivation, leading to success in securing paid employment.
“We’ve heard employers report they’ve experienced improved morale and highly positive placement experiences. We are proud to be supporting over 300 young people across the region and to be creating meaningful opportunities that are genuinely life changing. We look forward to supporting even more next year and beyond.”
The West of England is one of just eight Trailblazer regions in England, helping to test new ways of supporting young people into employment and shaping future national policy.
Find out more here.
