A new programme to support eligible young people aged under 25 across Croydon with 12 months of personalised support to explore employment, training and future opportunities has launched.
Link Youth in Croydon helps young people aged under 25 with a health condition, disability or other barrier, build confidence, gain practical experience and take positive steps towards employment or training.
Powered by Connect to Work, which supports people with health conditions, disabilities and complex challenges to entering the workplace, this youth-focused element of the programme will give participants personalised one-to-one advisor support alongside access to employers, career exploration, workplace and industry experiences, training and networking opportunities.
A six-week Academy will cover future planning, money and independence, opportunities, connections, experience and exposure and personal development. Each participant will also have dedicated one-to-one Advisor support to turn their learning and experiences into practical actions and next steps. Further support includes CV guidance, interview preparation, careers advice, confidence-building sessions and life skills workshops.
Link Youth has been developed in response to the barriers many young people face as they move from education into employment. These can include limited exposure to workplaces and industries, uncertainty about career options, low confidence and a lack of professional networks. Additional challenges around health and disabilities, have also impacted young people’s confidence when it comes to finding work.
Link Youth aims to change things, by connecting young people with practical support and real opportunities, the programme aims to help them recognise their strengths, broaden their networks and develop a clearer plan for the future.
Employers, professionals, training providers and community organisations will play an important role by contributing employer insight, speakers, workplace and industry experiences, progression opportunities and partnership activity. Their involvement will help develop local talent and strengthen communities.
Alicia Hylton, Team Leader for Connect to Work, said: “We have developed Link Youth to help young people see what is possible for their future, even if they are not sure where to start. It is about recognising their strengths, building confidence and opening doors to experiences and connections that can make their next step feel achievable. We want young people in Croydon to know they do not need to have everything worked out before they come to us — we are here to help them find their way forward.”
Link Youth is open to eligible young people aged under 25 living in Croydon. Young people do not need to have a career plan in place. The programme will meet them where they are and help them take their next step with confidence.
Interested in Link Youth? Register your interest. Know a young person who could benefit? Make a referral. Both routes use the same expression of interest form.
Employers, professionals, training providers and community organisations that want to support Link Youth through employer insight, speakers, workplace and industry experiences, progression opportunities or partnership activity are also encouraged to get involved.
Real opportunities. Real connections. Real futures.
