Preparing for Employment by Developing Work Skills

The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust) is a UK charity that supports young people aged 16–30 who may be facing barriers to education, employment or training. According to the organisation, its aim is to help young people build the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to move forward in life.

How it helps young people

Finding work

The King's Trust offers programmes, training and support to help young people:

Develop employability skills
Build confidence for interviews
Gain work experience
Connect with employers
Find jobs and apprenticeships

The charity particularly focuses on young people who may be unemployed, lack qualifications, or face other challenges that make it harder to enter work.

Education and training

Young people can access:

Free courses
Skills development programmes
Personal development opportunities
Training linked to specific careers or industries

These programmes are designed to help young people gain qualifications, practical skills and greater confidence.

Starting a business

The charity also supports young entrepreneurs by providing:

Business advice
Mentoring
Help developing business ideas
Access to networks and support

Helping young people start their own business has been a long-standing part of the Trust's work.

Mentoring and trusted adults

A major part of the Trust's support is connecting young people with:

Mentors
Coaches
Trusted adults who can provide guidance

The Trust states that this support helps young people navigate important transitions and build resilience and confidence.

Why it might be relevant to the Hampshire SEND Local Offer

For young people with SEND, care leavers, or those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), the King's Trust could be a useful resource because it offers:

Employability support
Confidence-building programmes
Personal development opportunities
Mentoring
Pathways into work and self-employment

This could fit well within your Preparing for Adulthood and Post-16/Post-19 sections, particularly under employment, training and independent living pathways.

You can find their young people's support page here: The King's Trust – How We Can Help.

The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust) is a UK charity that supports young people aged 16–30 who may be facing barriers to education, employment or training. According to the organisation, its aim is to help young people build the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to move forward in life.

How it helps young people

Finding work

The King's Trust offers programmes, training and support to help young people:

Develop employability skills
Build confidence for interviews
Gain work experience
Connect with employers
Find jobs and apprenticeships

The charity particularly focuses on young people who may be unemployed, lack qualifications, or face other challenges that make it harder to enter work.

Education and training

Young people can access:

Free courses
Skills development programmes
Personal development opportunities
Training linked to specific careers or industries

These programmes are designed to help young people gain qualifications, practical skills and greater confidence.

Starting a business

The charity also supports young entrepreneurs by providing:

Business advice
Mentoring
Help developing business ideas
Access to networks and support

Helping young people start their own business has been a long-standing part of the Trust's work.

Mentoring and trusted adults

A major part of the Trust's support is connecting young people with:

Mentors
Coaches
Trusted adults who can provide guidance

The Trust states that this support helps young people navigate important transitions and build resilience and confidence.

Why it might be relevant to the Hampshire SEND Local Offer

For young people with SEND, care leavers, or those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), the King's Trust could be a useful resource because it offers:

Employability support
Confidence-building programmes
Personal development opportunities
Mentoring
Pathways into work and self-employment

This could fit well within your Preparing for Adulthood and Post-16/Post-19 sections, particularly under employment, training and independent living pathways.

You can find their young people's support page here: The King's Trust – How We Can Help.

Kickstart Springboard supports young people who are unemployed.

All programmes are completely free and include:

Soft skills and confidence building training
Employability skills training – CVs, interview skills, effective job hunt
Hospitality related certified e-learning
121 mentoring and coaching
Guaranteed interviews with hospitality employers recruiting now
Hospitality related accredited qualifications

Visit Kickstart springboard

Kickstart Springboard supports young people who are unemployed.

All programmes are completely free and include:

Soft skills and confidence building training
Employability skills training – CVs, interview skills, effective job hunt
Hospitality related certified e-learning
121 mentoring and coaching
Guaranteed interviews with hospitality employers recruiting now
Hospitality related accredited qualifications

Visit Kickstart springboard

Safe New Futures offers a free, gentle, and structured 6‑month programme designed to help young people rebuild confidence, overcome personal barriers, and take positive next steps towards education, work or training.

This programme is suitable for young people who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their future. Many participants struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social barriers — and we’re here to help them move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.

How the Programme Helps

A combination of group CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with practical vocational skills, give young people both emotional tools and real‑world skills to help them progress.

Your young person will learn how to:

Build confidence and self-belief
Manage anxiety and low mood
Set achievable goals
Explore education, training, or work pathways
Develop practical skills for their future

Programme at a Glance

Duration: 6 months
Who it’s for: Young people aged 16+ who are NEET, unemployed, or at risk, including those with SEN
Cost: Completely free — all materials and tech support included

Visit Safe New Futures

Safe New Futures offers a free, gentle, and structured 6‑month programme designed to help young people rebuild confidence, overcome personal barriers, and take positive next steps towards education, work or training.

This programme is suitable for young people who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their future. Many participants struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or social barriers — and we’re here to help them move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.

How the Programme Helps

A combination of group CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) with practical vocational skills, give young people both emotional tools and real‑world skills to help them progress.

Your young person will learn how to:

Build confidence and self-belief
Manage anxiety and low mood
Set achievable goals
Explore education, training, or work pathways
Develop practical skills for their future

Programme at a Glance

Duration: 6 months
Who it’s for: Young people aged 16+ who are NEET, unemployed, or at risk, including those with SEN
Cost: Completely free — all materials and tech support included

Visit Safe New Futures

The Youth Employment Ready (YER) Programme supports young people aged 18–24 who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) to develop confidence, skills and experience for future employment.

The programme is particularly suitable for neurodivergent young people and young people with SEND, including those experiencing mental health difficulties. Participants receive supported opportunities to build employability skills, gain experience, improve wellbeing and prepare for sustainable employment.

The programme is delivered by Neurodivergent Arts CIC, a community interest company led by people with lived experience of neurodivergence and SEND.

Who can access it?

Young people aged 18–24
Not in education, employment or training (NEET)
Particularly suitable for neurodivergent young people and those with SEND

Find out more and apply:
Youth Employment Ready (YER) Programme

The Youth Employment Ready (YER) Programme supports young people aged 18–24 who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET) to develop confidence, skills and experience for future employment.

The programme is particularly suitable for neurodivergent young people and young people with SEND, including those experiencing mental health difficulties. Participants receive supported opportunities to build employability skills, gain experience, improve wellbeing and prepare for sustainable employment.

The programme is delivered by Neurodivergent Arts CIC, a community interest company led by people with lived experience of neurodivergence and SEND.

Who can access it?

Young people aged 18–24
Not in education, employment or training (NEET)
Particularly suitable for neurodivergent young people and those with SEND

Find out more and apply:
Youth Employment Ready (YER) Programme

No Limits provides free support for young people aged up to 25 across Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. They offer advice and practical support to help young people explore education, training, volunteering and employment opportunities.

Their Education and Employment support includes:

Help finding education, training and employment opportunities
CV writing and job application support
Interview preparation
Referrals to training and work experience opportunities
Volunteering information and opportunities
Access to computers and internet facilities through their Advice Centre
A dedicated Work Club for young people aged 16–25
One-to-one employment support through their Individual Placement Support (IPS) service for eligible young people already receiving mental health support from No Limits.

Who is it for?

Young people aged 16–25 who would like support with education, training or employment.
Young people who may need additional support to build confidence, explore options, or prepare for work.

Find out more No Limits Education and Employment

No Limits provides free support for young people aged up to 25 across Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. They offer advice and practical support to help young people explore education, training, volunteering and employment opportunities.

Their Education and Employment support includes:

Help finding education, training and employment opportunities
CV writing and job application support
Interview preparation
Referrals to training and work experience opportunities
Volunteering information and opportunities
Access to computers and internet facilities through their Advice Centre
A dedicated Work Club for young people aged 16–25
One-to-one employment support through their Individual Placement Support (IPS) service for eligible young people already receiving mental health support from No Limits.

Who is it for?

Young people aged 16–25 who would like support with education, training or employment.
Young people who may need additional support to build confidence, explore options, or prepare for work.

Find out more No Limits Education and Employment

The Hampshire IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Employment Service helps people with mental health needs to find, stay in or return to employment, education, training or volunteering. The service specialises in supporting people who are living with or recovering from mental ill health and who would like help to achieve their employment goals.

The service provides personalised one-to-one support, including:

Help identifying the type of work you would like to do.
Job searching and finding suitable opportunities.
CV, application form and cover letter support.
Interview preparation.
Advice about how employment may affect benefits.
Support with discussing mental health needs and requesting reasonable adjustments.
Ongoing support once employment starts to help people settle into work and overcome challenges.

The service focuses on helping people find employment that matches their interests, strengths and goals, while providing support for as long as needed after a job starts.

Who is it for?

People aged 18 and over.
People receiving support from Community Mental Health Teams in Hampshire.
People who would like support to find, keep or return to work, education, training or volunteering opportunities.

How to access the service If you are receiving support from a Community Mental Health Team in Hampshire, speak to your clinician about a referral to the Hampshire IPS Employment Service.

Find out more about Hampshire IPS Employment Service

The Hampshire IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Employment Service helps people with mental health needs to find, stay in or return to employment, education, training or volunteering. The service specialises in supporting people who are living with or recovering from mental ill health and who would like help to achieve their employment goals.

The service provides personalised one-to-one support, including:

Help identifying the type of work you would like to do.
Job searching and finding suitable opportunities.
CV, application form and cover letter support.
Interview preparation.
Advice about how employment may affect benefits.
Support with discussing mental health needs and requesting reasonable adjustments.
Ongoing support once employment starts to help people settle into work and overcome challenges.

The service focuses on helping people find employment that matches their interests, strengths and goals, while providing support for as long as needed after a job starts.

Who is it for?

People aged 18 and over.
People receiving support from Community Mental Health Teams in Hampshire.
People who would like support to find, keep or return to work, education, training or volunteering opportunities.

How to access the service If you are receiving support from a Community Mental Health Team in Hampshire, speak to your clinician about a referral to the Hampshire IPS Employment Service.

Find out more about Hampshire IPS Employment Service

Enham Trust supports disabled people to gain skills, confidence and employment opportunities. Their Supported Employment programme offers paid work experience, training and one-to-one support to help people prepare for and move into longer-term employment. They can help with developing workplace skills, creating a CV, preparing for interviews and finding work with local employers. Enham Trust also offers learning and skills programmes for young people and adults who want to build confidence and improve their employability.

Find out more:
Enham Trust Supported Employment

Enham Trust supports disabled people to gain skills, confidence and employment opportunities. Their Supported Employment programme offers paid work experience, training and one-to-one support to help people prepare for and move into longer-term employment. They can help with developing workplace skills, creating a CV, preparing for interviews and finding work with local employers. Enham Trust also offers learning and skills programmes for young people and adults who want to build confidence and improve their employability.

Find out more:
Enham Trust Supported Employment

Youth in Romsey (YIR) provides free employment support for young people aged up to 25 in Romsey, Southern Test Valley, Totton, the New Forest and Waterside areas. Their Employment Service helps young people develop the skills and confidence needed to access work, apprenticeships, volunteering or further opportunities.

The service offers:

Support searching and applying for jobs.
Help completing job and apprenticeship applications.
CV writing and cover letter support.
Interview preparation and mock interviews.
One-to-one guidance from youth workers.
Help exploring career options.
Support accessing volunteering opportunities and work experience.

Young people can drop into the centre or arrange individual appointments with a youth worker to discuss employment and career goals.

Who is it for?

Young people aged up to 25.
Young people looking for support with employment, apprenticeships, volunteering or career planning.

Find out more Youth in Romsey Employment Service

Youth in Romsey (YIR) provides free employment support for young people aged up to 25 in Romsey, Southern Test Valley, Totton, the New Forest and Waterside areas. Their Employment Service helps young people develop the skills and confidence needed to access work, apprenticeships, volunteering or further opportunities.

The service offers:

Support searching and applying for jobs.
Help completing job and apprenticeship applications.
CV writing and cover letter support.
Interview preparation and mock interviews.
One-to-one guidance from youth workers.
Help exploring career options.
Support accessing volunteering opportunities and work experience.

Young people can drop into the centre or arrange individual appointments with a youth worker to discuss employment and career goals.

Who is it for?

Young people aged up to 25.
Young people looking for support with employment, apprenticeships, volunteering or career planning.

Find out more Youth in Romsey Employment Service

The Stable Family Home Trust supports adults with learning disabilities to develop skills, confidence and independence. Through its Aspire Personal Development Programme and other day opportunities, people can take part in activities that help them build practical, social and employability skills. The charity aims to support people to become active members of their communities and, where appropriate, move towards learning, meaningful occupation and employment opportunities.

Find out more:
Stable Family Home Trust

The Stable Family Home Trust supports adults with learning disabilities to develop skills, confidence and independence. Through its Aspire Personal Development Programme and other day opportunities, people can take part in activities that help them build practical, social and employability skills. The charity aims to support people to become active members of their communities and, where appropriate, move towards learning, meaningful occupation and employment opportunities.

Find out more:
Stable Family Home Trust

Yateley Industries provides supported employment, training and work experience opportunities for disabled adults. They offer real paid work, job coaching and supported internships to help people develop workplace skills, confidence and independence. Their aim is to support people to progress into employment while also providing opportunities to learn new skills in a supportive environment.

Find out more:
Yateley Industries

Yateley Industries provides supported employment, training and work experience opportunities for disabled adults. They offer real paid work, job coaching and supported internships to help people develop workplace skills, confidence and independence. Their aim is to support people to progress into employment while also providing opportunities to learn new skills in a supportive environment.

Find out more:
Yateley Industries

The ELSSE Project, delivered by Solent Youth Action, provides tailored support for vulnerable young people aged 10–18 living in Eastleigh. The project supports young people from economically disadvantaged households through a combination of:

Weekly targeted workshops
One-to-one support
Supported volunteering opportunities

The programme aims to improve young people's social, emotional and economic outcomes by helping them develop confidence, life skills, resilience and positive relationships.

Solent Youth Action works with young people across Hampshire, including young people with disabilities, mental health needs and other additional support needs. The organisation supports young people to develop skills, contribute to their communities and take part in positive youth-led projects.

Who is it for?

Vulnerable young people aged 10–18.
Young people who may benefit from additional support to develop emotional wellbeing, life skills, confidence and social skills.

Find out more The ELSSE Project

The ELSSE Project, delivered by Solent Youth Action, provides tailored support for vulnerable young people aged 10–18 living in Eastleigh. The project supports young people from economically disadvantaged households through a combination of:

Weekly targeted workshops
One-to-one support
Supported volunteering opportunities

The programme aims to improve young people's social, emotional and economic outcomes by helping them develop confidence, life skills, resilience and positive relationships.

Solent Youth Action works with young people across Hampshire, including young people with disabilities, mental health needs and other additional support needs. The organisation supports young people to develop skills, contribute to their communities and take part in positive youth-led projects.

Who is it for?

Vulnerable young people aged 10–18.
Young people who may benefit from additional support to develop emotional wellbeing, life skills, confidence and social skills.

Find out more The ELSSE Project