Next step, Employment

At The Big Trust, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to build a future they feel confident about. That's why we're proud to be part of Liverpool City Council's Youth Trailblazer programme, part of the national Youth Guarantee Trailblazer (YGT) initiative. Supporting young people aged 17-21 across the Liverpool City region who are currently not in employment, education or training (NEET).

Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool is one of just eight areas nationally selected to pilot innovative approaches to youth employment support. The programme is designed to remove barriers, build confidence, and create meaningful pathways into work, training, or further education - because no young person should feel alone in figuring out their future.

Next step, employment: Personalised support for every young person

As a delivery partner, The Big Trust is delivering Next step employment - a tailored programme designed to help young people take their next steps with confidence. Our programme is flexible, personal and supportive, providing one-to-one mentoring to help young people

• Build confidence and self-belief

• Develop communication, problem-solving, and employability skills

• Access training, volunteering, apprenticeships, or paid work

• Explore career pathways and discover their strengths and interests

We meet young people where they are, providing guidance, practical support, and encouragement - not pressure. Our approach ensures that each young person receives the help they need to move forward in a way that feels right for them.

Understanding the barriers

We know that the journey into work or training isn't always straightforward. Many young people face multiple challenges - lack of experience, uncertainty about their future, caring responsibilities, or previous knockbacks from employers. Some may have struggled with confidence, felt isolated, or been turned away from opportunities.

That's why the trailblazer programme doesn't just focus on skills. We actively listen to young people, learn from their experiences, and adapt our support to meet their real needs. Special attention is given to:

• Care-experienced young people

• Long-term NEET young people

• Gaps in current employability support

• Creating inclusive, sustainable opportunities with local employers

By combining practical support with understanding and mentorship, we help young people overcome the barriers that have held them back.

Who can help us connect with young people?

We are looking for referrals into the programme, and want to reach every young person who could benefit. You can help if you are:

• A parent or carer of a young person who is struggling to find direction

• A teacher, support worker, key worker, or youth worker who supports young people facing challenges

• Someone who knows a young person in the Liverpool City Region who is currently NEET.

If you know someone who might benefit, referring them into the programme could be life-changing. We take referrals seriously and provide personalised, practical support that helps young people move forward - step by step, at their own pace.

Calling on local businesses

We're also looking for local employers willing to make a difference. Offering a young person a job, apprenticeship, work placement, or training opportunity can help them gain confidence, skills, and experience they need to start their career journey.

Businesses may also be eligible for an incentive of up to £3,000 for keeping a young person in employment for six months. It's a win-win: young people gain experience, businesses get motivated, supported staff while making a tangible impact in the community.

Why get involved?

By connecting young people with Next step employment, you are giving them guidance, support, and opportunities that could change the course of their lives. Whether you are a parent, professional, or employer, your referral, support, or opportunity could be the difference between a young person feeling stuck and them stepping confidently into their future.

Ready to take action?

• Parents & carers: Is your child unsure which path to take next? Let us help guide them.

• Teachers, support workers, key workers: Know a young person who could benefit? Make a referral today.

• Employers: Want to take on a young person in paid work, training, or an apprenticeship? Incentives of up to £3,000 are available for six months of employment.

If you know a young person in the Liverpool City Region who is NEET, or if you are a professional or employer who wants to make a difference, get in touch today. Together, we can help young people take their next step - and make sure no one has to face that journey alone.