Increased confidence through training and free bus travel: Joe’s Youth Guarantee experience
Before being referred to the South Bristol Youth Guarantee by one of Bristol Post 16’s career coaches, 17-year-old Joe was NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
With low confidence following negative experiences during school and anxiety surrounding public places and public transport, Joe was feeling stuck and not sure where to turn. He wanted to find some form of work or education but didn’t know where to start.
After working with Joe for a while to build his confidence through a placement with Redcatch Community Garden, Joe’s Post 16 coach recommended the Youth Guarantee. Joe joined the programme on the first cohort in June 2025. First up was completing the Employability Course at The Gatehouse Centre in Hartcliffe.
Whilst on the course, Joe was supported by the tutor and learning assistant from HWV, who delivered the course, to develop his employability skills. This involved interview practice, CV support and exploration into different career paths through attending a careers fair.
Joe also continued to work with his Youth Guarantee coaches who helped secure a work placement his chosen field. They also helped Joe to identify and remove any barriers to employment, such as offering support with applying for a provisional license (Photo ID), which would allow Joe to open bank account. Securing a yearly bus pass from the West of England Combined Authority has also removed a financial barrier to accessing services and opportunities outside of Joe’s local area. Joe’s coaches were also available to offer travel training as a means of preparing to use public transport to access work placement.
Joe noted his work taster with FixX Bikes, a community bike shop in Hartcliffe, as his standout moment on the programme. In a group setting, Joe was able to continue to build his confidence and social skills, whilst also gaining vital work experience. Joe was able to learn about mechanics and find out what daily life is like in a workplace.
Joe noted that one of his highlights was “an army of children coming in from local community asking if they can help. It was nice spending time working within local community, helping others repair bikes. FixX Bikes is a place I have visited for many years and I have lots of memories visiting there when I was younger. I enjoyed continuing to build on knowledge gained in a previous course and work in a supportive space to help build confidence.”
When asked about whether he felt he had gained a positive outcome, Joe said:
“Completing the employability course and work placement has allowed me to build confidence in both an education and work-based environment. I have completed travel training on the bus – I feel confident in accessing provisions and appointments independently now. I have also enrolled on a post 16 college course starting in September so that I can gain qualifications in English and Maths. I feel ready to progress into part time employment or training once I’ve settled onto course and know where to seek support with this, when needed.”
We also asked Joe if he had any advice for other young people who may be in a similar situation to him before starting on the Youth Guarantee:
“If you feel stuck or are dealing with anxiety or social worries, be open to support.”
Joe with his Youth Guarantee bus pass
You can find out more about the Youth Guarantee, or refer a young person, via our webpage: South Bristol Youth Guarantee Bristol – Employment, Skills and Learning
