Young people building meaningful futures
We’re committed to ensuring all young people have the opportunity to create meaningful and fulfilling careers and lifestyles.
We provide training, coaching and employment support to young people who face barriers to employment, particularly those who are NEET or care experienced, helping them develop the skills and confidence to achieve their ambitions.
Our impact in numbers
1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026
179
Qualifications awarded to 16-24 year old’s
109
Young people supported into employment, education or training
106
Care leavers supported
457
NEET young people supported
Featured Youth Employment Projects
Adela’s Story
Stockport
At just 17, Adela has overcome significant challenges to take her first steps towards a career in construction. After moving from Italy to the UK at the age of nine, she faced language barriers, difficulties making friends and later the isolation of the Covid-19 lockdown. In 2024, following a breakdown in family relationships, Adela moved into care.
Despite these setbacks, Adela remained determined to succeed. As her English improved, she achieved six GCSEs and began applying for jobs. After submitting more than 70 applications without success, she became increasingly frustrated but never lost her ambition to build an independent future.
When she was introduced to Groundwork’s employment support service, Adela embraced the opportunity. Working closely with Employment Coach Debs, she explored career options and identified scaffolding as the path she wanted to pursue. Together, they developed a plan to gain the qualifications needed to enter the industry.
With Debs’ support, Adela achieved her Health & Safety in Construction qualification and passed her CSCS Green Card exam with an impressive score of 49 out of 50.
To help her gain practical experience, Groundwork arranged a visit to construction company Headoffice3. Adela’s enthusiasm and determination impressed the Site Manager, who offered her a four-week work placement with the possibility of extending it further
Today, Adela is building the skills, experience and confidence needed to pursue a career in construction. With ongoing support from Groundwork, she is turning her resilience and determination into real opportunities for the future.
Minaal’s Story
Tameside
Like many young people, Minaal’s education was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Struggling with large group settings and the return to classroom learning, she left college after just one week. A subsequent childcare apprenticeship also failed to provide the support she needed, leaving her feeling discouraged and unsure of her future.
Everything changed when Minaal was introduced to Groundwork’s TEAM Programme. Although initially hesitant because of her previous experiences, she decided to take a chance and enrol on the 12-week programme, hoping it would offer the guidance and opportunities she had been searching for.
The programme quickly became a turning point. Through a range of activities and challenges, Minaal began building her confidence and pushing beyond her comfort zone. During the first week, she overcame fears by taking part in caving, rock climbing and abseiling, achieving things she never thought possible.
Minaal also developed greater independence in everyday life. With support from her Team Leader, Lauren, she tackled her anxiety around public transport and gradually gained the confidence to travel independently across Greater Manchester.
Today, Minaal is working towards completing her Maths qualification and has secured a volunteer role with the NHS as a Volunteer Patient & Carer Feedback Support Officer. Inspired by her own experience, she hopes to support children and young people on their own journeys in the future.
The TEAM Programme helped Minaal rediscover her self-belief, develop practical life skills and realise her potential, giving her the confidence to embrace new opportunities and look positively towards the future.
The programme has given me so many opportunities and helped me realise I am worth so much more than people tell me
2025/26 funders & supporters
