The Pioneer Group secures Youth Guarantee Trailblazer funding to help young people access work and training opportunities

23/10/26

Over £70,000 investment will support young people across Castle Vale, Firs & Bromford and Tile Cross until March 2027.

Pioneer is set to help more young people take their next steps towards employment and training after securing funding through the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme. The funding forms part of a wider Government backed programme designed to ensure young people have access to education, training and employment opportunities.

The £72,751 award will fund Elevate: Pathways to Work, a new programme running until March 2027, which will provide tailored support for young people aged 18-21 across Castle Vale, Firs & Bromford and Tile Cross.

Delivered by Pioneer’s Employment and Youth teams in partnership with Worth Unlimited, the project will engage young people who may be facing barriers to employment and training, helping them build confidence, develop essential life skills and gain practical employability experience.

The project is being funded through Intervention 3 of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme, which is being delivered across the West Midlands by the West Midlands Combined Authority. The programme is part of a national Government investment helping young people access support into work, education and training.

Those taking part will benefit from a range of activities designed to improve their employment prospects, including life skills development, employability support and practical skills sessions tailored to local needs.

Jo Fieldhouse, Director of Housing and Communities, said:

“We know that many young people face significant challenges when it comes to entering the world of work. Through Elevate: Pathways to Work, we’re creating opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop valuable skills and access the support they need to take positive steps towards employment, training or further education.

This funding allows us to strengthen our commitment to communities across Castle Vale, Firs & Bromford and Tile Cross, working alongside Worth Unlimited to help local young people realise their potential and create brighter futures.”

The funding comes as the West Midlands Combined Authority continues its work to tackle youth unemployment and support young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The West Midlands was selected as one of eight national Youth Guarantee Trailblazer areas, receiving Government funding to test innovative approaches that help young people move into work, training and apprenticeships.

For more information about Pioneer’s employment and youth support services, visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk/skills-hub.

For more information about the Elevate: Pathways to Work programme, please email theskillshubs@pioneergroup.org.uk.

Notes to editors
Project: Elevate: Pathways to Work
Funding programme: Youth Guarantee Trailblazer (Intervention 3)
Funding value: £72,751
Delivery period: Until March 2027
Delivery partners: Pioneer Group and Worth Unlimited
Areas covered: Castle Vale, Firs & Bromford and Tile Cross

The Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme forms part of a national initiative to support young people aged 18-21 into employment, education and training