Brent Cross Town Launching Futures
The Pitch
Problem statement
Many 16-19 year olds in Cricklewood and West Hendon lack access to meaningful career guidance: services like Brent Youth Futures and Barnet’s post-16 careers advice emphasise that young people frequently need targeted one-to-one support. However, not all young people engage with these offerings, often because of low confidence, few visible role models, and limited employer links- a finding echoed by studies showing that older teens are less likely to have a role model compared to younger age groups. As Brent Cross Town grows, there’s a vital opportunity to prepare local young people with the confidence, employability skills and networks needed to access these emerging career pathways.
Solution
Launching Futures will prepare young people for employment through targeted coaching and real-world career experiences. We will work with Barnet and Southgate College and local providers such as Action West London to identify young people who would benefit most and grow to be the future workforce for the Brent Cross Town development. Young people will work with industry-experienced volunteer coaches to develop professional skills, explore local careers, and set achievable goals. Workshops, employer visits and a “World of Work” day with Brent Cross Town businesses will build awareness, confidence and readiness to pursue roles in construction, hospitality and management.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Yes Futures specialises in empowering young people to develop the confidence, resilience and employability skills needed for work and life. We have worked with over 3500 young people. Our award-winning coaching model is proven to improve career readiness and engagement: 92% report improvement in skills. We have strong partnerships with several employers such as Hawkins Brown, Galliford Try, and MKC Training, who provide authentic insight, mentoring, and career pathways. Our coaches bring real industry experience. We are perfectly positioned to connect local students with Brent Cross Town’s growing employment opportunities.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Staff: Project coordinator 1.5 days per month= 18 days @234.21 | £4,216 |
| Staff: Programme delivery 4 days per cycle= 12 days @158.05 | £1,897 |
| Staff: Volunteer training and management 5 days @234.21 | £1,171 |
| World of Work day transport and refreshments @£17 p/head for 72 | £1,224 |
| Contribution towards overheads- 7% of staff costs | £574 |
| Staff: Project manager and employer engagement coordinator 2.5 days @£365.79 | £914 |
Beneficiaries
72 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Rising Futures will empower 72 young people from Barnet and Southgate College and other local further education providers to build the confidence, skills, and aspirations needed for future success in education and work. Through one-to-one coaching and our “World of Work” experience, students will develop communication, resilience, and self-awareness: the foundations of employability. We expect 92% of young people to show improvement in at least one skill area, 85% to report having skills valuable to others, 85% to have a clearer idea of future opportunities, and 80% to feel more prepared for their future. Over 85% will move onto further or higher learning, or work opportunities such as apprenticeships at the end of their college or employability programme. Over 200 volunteer hours will be contributed by coaches and industry professionals, connecting pupils with inspiring local role models and preparing them to thrive in future employment opportunities.
Track record
Yes Futures has a strong track record of delivering measurable impact through our award-winning Rising Futures programme. In 2023–24, 92% of participants improved in at least one key skill area, 82% felt more confident about their future, and 81% reported having skills valuable to others. Our pilot with London Borough of Hounslow supported 150 students from 8 schools and demonstrated the transformational effect of coaching on young people facing disadvantage:89% of students reported they have a better idea about future opportunities available to them and 81% of students reported they feel more prepared for the future. Teachers reported improved motivation, resilience and communication in class. One student shared, “It really opened my eyes to the world of work.” With over 3,500 young people supported to date and consistently high outcomes across London, we have proven our ability to empower young people to thrive in education and beyond.