Support to help more young people into work or learning

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Support to help more young people into work or learning

If you (or someone you know) is aged 16 to 18 and feeling unsure about the future, why not pop into one of our free advice sessions to chat about local college, employment or training opportunities?

Our specialist advisors in the post-16 team can explain the different options available to young people, and offer personal support to help you access an education or training course, or find work – whatever your situation and past experiences.

Whether you left school with no qualifications, are struggling with difficult family circumstances or mental health conditions, have low self-confidence or substance misuse issues – we can help you move forward with your life positively.

This free service is here to offer a helping hand to any young person who is finding it challenging to transition from school into college or work. So, if you are under 18 and unemployed, or not attending school or college, simply drop in for a chat with our friendly advisors.

There is no need to make an appointment, plus parents and carers are welcome too. The free drop-in sessions take place at the following locations:

Area Day Time Address
East Tuesdays 10am-12pm Thornhill Library, 328 Hinkler Road, Southampton SO19 6DF
Central Mondays 12-3pm Central Young Adults Employment Hub (above the library) in the Civic Centre, SO14 7LW
West Mondays 10am-12pm MP3 Evenlode Road, Millbrook, Southampton, SO16 9RS

If you can’t make it in person you can also join any of the drop in sessions virtually during the times above.

Your Future transition event

Young people and their parents and carers are also welcome to attend a free event on Thursday 5 June, 2025 at Solent University to find out more about local opportunities including apprenticeships and college courses. The Your Future transition event will be run in partnership with Solent Careers Hub, Southampton Education Forum and Southampton Solent University. The event is aimed at year 10 students, but all are welcome, and parents and carers can book to come along in the afternoon.

How we've helped others

Yvonne is just one of the many young people who have benefitted from the service and has turned her life around. Although she initially got a job when leaving school at 16, just seven months later Yvonne found herself unemployed aged 17. She decided she wanted to return to college but didn’t know where to start. Our team helped her to reenrol at college and commence A-levels, and also provided support to help her find part time work. She is now happily working part time alongside studying, and is feeling settled.

Another young person, Sarah started coming to the drop-in sessions last spring after relocating to Southampton from London in order to pursue her dream of becoming a marine engineer. Sarah received support through the drop-in sessions to apply for various entry-level roles within the industry, and is now embarking on an Officer Cadetship in Marine Engineering based at Warsash.

Get support and advice

If you feel you, or a young person you know, would benefit from support like Yvonne and Sarah have, simply drop in to one of the advice sessions or join in online and have a chat with our expert advisors.

And don’t forget, we also offer friendly employment advice and support for adults who need a helping hand to find work or training opportunities - contact our TEEM employment service just for council tenants.

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