Preparation for Life and Work provides training, initial advice and guidance and nationally recognised qualifications for young people aged 16+ who are not yet ready to access work or study.

There are separate programmes run in England, Scotland and Wales. The objective of each programme is to provide high quality support for young people to build their confidence to progress into further education, training or work.

Foundation Learning (England)

This is a programme which supports young people to progress to the next stage of their journey – develop the skills and attitudes for a job, progress into further learning or do on the job training like an apprenticeship. The programme supports young people to develop their personal and employability skills

Get Ready For Work (Scotland)

The Get Ready for Work programme is funded by Skills Development Scotland and arranges skills training and work placements for people aged 16 to 19 who are finding it difficult to access training, learning and employment. We help young people focus on what they want to do and help them on their journeys to achieving it.

Traineeships (Wales)

The Traineeships programme supports young people aged 16 - 18 who have left formal education at 16 but have not gone into further education, training or employment.

The programme consists of two levels, making it suitable for all young people dependent on their circumstances and needs.

Traineeships are funded by the Welsh Assembly Government with the European Social Fund (ESF).

Pathways and Future Horizons (Greater Manchester and Cumbria)

The main aim of the these programmes is to help young people to return to education or to move on to employment. Young people are given a taste for the workplace through work placements.

The programmes are funded by the European Social Fund (ESF).