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, we’ve got free support to help you take your next step – whether that’s finding a job, starting training, or going back into education.

You can get 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.

Two young people laughing while on a laptop

Who can join?

To take part in the Youth Guarantee projects you need to:

Be aged 18–21

Live in the West of England (in either South Bristol, South Gloucestershire or B&NES)

Not be in work, education or training right now

Find local support that works for you

There are three teams in South Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire who are each focussing on 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.

What’s on offer

Step 1: 1-to-1 careers coaching to help you plan your future

Step 2: Employability training to build your skills and confidence

Step 3: Try out a job or volunteering through work tasters

Get involved

17-21 and want to find out more or get involved? Contact us by email yg@bristol.gov.uk or fill in this form.

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.

What’s on 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 involved

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.

What’s on offer

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+)

Get involved

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

Not in one of these locations, or don't match the criteria?

We can still help you! 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