Our support is designed to help individuals move into employment, access training, or take up voluntary opportunities, thanks to funding from York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Get Britain Working projects.
We can help people aged 16 and over, so if you know someone who feels lost or needs a helping hand, please let them know about the support available.
Book a ‘Life Chat’…
Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to start moving forward positively in life, that’s why we are offering ‘Life Chats’ where we will take the time to listen, help you overcome any barriers, and work together to create a clear plan that supports your goals and aspirations. It could be building confidence, gaining a qualification, or just finding the motivation to move forward, we are here to help.
Book a Life Chat at a time that works for you. Choose a phone call or meet us for a cuppa and a chat, whatever feels right for you.
To book, contact the Skills and Careers team online or call 01609 536 066 and ask for the Trailblazer Team.
Specialist support for those aged 50 and over
If you are aged 50 and over and not currently working, or you are concerned about your future employment, join us for a free, friendly event designed to help you recognise your strengths, build confidence and explore new opportunities.
Whether you have retired early, taken time out to care for someone, are managing a health condition, have been made redundant, or simply feel ready for a fresh challenge, we are here to help.
We have four events taking place across the county:
- Wednesday 4 November 2026, 10am to 2pm, Harrogate - The Old Swan Hotel, HG1 2SR
- Wednesday 11 November 2026, 10am to 2pm, Richmond - The Station, Townsend Suite, DL10 4LD
- Wednesday 18 November 2026, 10am to 2pm, Northallerton - Northallerton Town Hall, DL7 8QR
- Wednesday 25 November 2026, 10am to 2pm, Scarborough - The Street, Lower Clark Street, YO12 7PW
The day will consist of three workshops designed to help you recognise your strengths and explore your next steps:
- identifying your strengths and value - recognise the skills, knowledge and experience you already have and discover how they can help you move forward
- discover your next steps - learn how to use various tools to help you explore opportunities, learn new skills and plan your future
- exploring opportunities - discover local opportunities to share your skills, meet new people and make a difference in your community
Plus, we will make sure you are looked after with:
- free lunch and refreshments
- a goodie bag to support your next steps
- friendly advice and guidance
If you know someone who would benefit from attending one of these events, please bring them along.
To book, contact the skills and careers team or call 01609 536 066 and ask for the Trailblazer team.
You choose. Your future, your choice
If you are aged 16 to 24 and not in education, training or work, or you are at risk of dropping out, the team is here to help you take control of your future. We will give you personal support from a dedicated key worker, help you build confidence, develop skills like CV writing and job searching, and connect you with education, training, and employment opportunities.
We will work with you to overcome barriers such as mental health or travel challenges and stay by your side until you’re ready for your next step.
To find out more, email You.Choose@northyorks.gov.uk
Want to help others navigate their next step?
If you enjoy helping people or give information, advice and guidance in your job, community or voluntary role, or you simply just like to help people, our Navigator programme is perfect for you.
This free programme is for you if you provide information, advice and guidance to others, whether in the workplace, in a voluntary capacity or in the community. We will give you the tools to guide and signpost others to the help they need to make informed choices about their learning, work and wellbeing.
It’s fun and interactive and you will learn a lot about yourself too! Split across two, 2-hour sessions, you’ll gain valuable skills, and at the end, you’ll receive:
- a digital badge to showcase your achievement
- a free tablet to support you in your role
- £50 voucher
Adult learning
In the meantime, why not explore the opportunities with Adult Learning North Yorkshire?
They offer a wide range of courses, including English, maths, digital skills, wellbeing, arts and crafts, cookery, business, accounting, working with children, and much more.
Taking a course is a fantastic way to boost your confidence and show yourself what you’re capable of.
Did you know?
- 92% of learners don’t pay for their course
- support is available, such as laptop loans while you learn and help with childcare if that’s a barrier for you
Find out about other Trailblazer projects taking place across the county from the York and North Yorkshire Work and Skills Interchange
These projects are supported by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, using funding from the Department for Work and Pensions' Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer.
