Funded by East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) in partnership between Nottingham City Council, Youth Guarantee, Nottingham College, 4b’s, Bestwood Partnership, Futures and Base 51.
A new programme has launched, designed to support young people aged 18–21 in Nottingham who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET).
The announcement follows our appointment as the lead contractor in the region's Youth Guarantee pilot project, in partnership with Nottingham City Council.
Named ‘Thrive’, the programme aims to boost confidence, develop key life and work skills and support progression into further education, apprenticeships or employment.
The programme incorporates support to help young people thrive, get work and overcome barriers, including a 6-week personal development programme which starts in January 2026.
Young people will be supported with:
- · Careers and employability skills including CV writing, interview practice, employer engagement and workplace tasters.
- · Personal growth and resilience including stress management, problem-solving and mindset coaching.
- · Digital, music and gaming design including hands-on creative tech experiences including VR, digital art and game creation.
- · Team-building projects including collaborative challenges including a bird box build and decoration.
- · Healthy cooking challenge including practical budgeting and nutrition skills through cooking.
- · Community and celebration including a community action project culminating in a showcase event.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:
“Thrive is a powerful example of how we can work together to change lives. By investing in young people who are not currently in education, employment or training, we are opening doors to opportunity and giving them the tools to build brighter futures. This programme is about more than skills—it’s about confidence, resilience and belonging.
“EMCCA is proud to support Thrive because it will help young people in Nottingham not only to take their next step into work or education, but to feel valued, supported and ready to contribute to the strength of our communities and the success of our region.”
Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport said:
“Working with Nottingham College to deliver this grant truly reflects the Council’s commitment to inclusive growth and supporting young people to move towards employment, education or training at a local level.
“I’m delighted to see that the Thrive personal development programme is targeting some of our most deprived areas in the North and South of the city. Working with young people from these parts of Nottingham who are not currently in education, employment or training can only help the whole city grow, but also provides our future generations with bright prospects. I look forward to seeing the positive effects this programme will have on our communities.”
Joshua Warwick, Development Worker at Nottingham College, said:
“Thrive is more than a course, it’s a launchpad for young people to rediscover their potential. We’re excited to offer a programme that’s practical, creative and deeply supportive, helping these young people take meaningful steps towards their future.”
