YOUTH TRAILBLAZER PROJECT
WOW (World of Work) Youth Trailblazer Programme: Empowering Young People to Build Brighter Futures
New Hope Global is excited to partner with Witton Lodge Community Association to deliver the Youth Trailblazer Programme, a bespoke support offer for young people aged 18–21. Funded through Birmingham City Council’s Shared Prosperity Programme and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), the programme provides holistic guidance and targeted employability support to help participants progress into education, training, or employment.
The programme is founded on a simple belief: when young people are supported as whole individuals—mind, skills, wellbeing, and ambition—they thrive. Through a combination of personalised support and practical skills development, New Hope aims to engage over 20 young people from North and West Birmingham to:
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Access mental and physical health support to overcome barriers
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Develop life skills, including confidence, teamwork, resilience, and employer awareness
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Progress into positive destinations such as employment, apprenticeships, further education, or Youth Guarantee pathways
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Improve employability, life skills, and overall wellbeing
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Support those who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET
Each participant completes a holistic assessment exploring skills, strengths, wellbeing, and potential barriers. Together with programme staff, they co-design a personalised action plan with clear milestones, ensuring a roadmap aligned with their goals and aspirations.
Support includes one-to-one mentoring, group sessions, health and wellbeing activities, digital and literacy training, referrals to specialist services, and practical employability support such as CVs, applications, and interview preparation. Travel and subsistence assistance is also provided to remove financial barriers.
Participants gain access to employer-led workshops, work placements, taster sessions, volunteering, and community job fairs, creating genuine pathways into the workplace.
Why it matters: Youth unemployment and disengagement remain significant challenges. With the right support, young people can overcome barriers, discover their potential, and build a future they are proud of.
