Youth Futures Team by Youth Futures Team

Getting Started Booklet

youthfutures — 2025-11-21 16:04:01 UTC

Not sure about your next steps? This resource is packed with links and tips to help 16–17-year-olds in Lancashire explore options like education, jobs, apprenticeships, volunteering, and mental health support. Quick guides for CV writing, job searching, and more, all in one place.

Monthly Online 121 Careers Chat

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 14:54:08 UTC

Are you 16-17 years old?

Do you live in Lancashire?

Are you not in education or employment?

We may be able to offer you some support with your next steps, you can use our details below or join our monthly online 121 careers chat.

Click Here to join the meeting.

Or you can get in touch using these details.

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk

01772 531 044

East Lancashire Drop Ins

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:10:46 UTC

Are you 16-17 years old?

Do you live in Lancashire?

Are you not in education or employment?

We may be able to offer you some support with your next steps.

Use the side arrows to click through the photos showing our drop ins in East Lancashire.

Or you can get in touch using these details.

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk

01772 531 044

Central Lancashire Drop Ins

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:11:13 UTC

***PAUSED FOR SUMMER HOLIDAYS***

Are you 16-17 years old?

Do you live in Lancashire?

Are you not in education or employment?

We may be able to offer you some support with your next steps.

Use the side arrows to click through the photos showing our drop ins in Central Lancashire.

Or you can get in touch using these details.

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk

01772 531 044

North Lancashire Drop Ins

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:11:31 UTC

***PAUSED FOR SUMMER HOLIDAYS***

Are you 16-17 years old?

Do you live in Lancashire?

Are you not in education or employment?

We may be able to offer you some support with your next steps.

Use the side arrows to click through the photos showing our drop ins in North Lancashire.

Or you can get in touch using these details.

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk

01772 531 044

CV Guide

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:20:28 UTC

Looking for help with your CV?

We have put together a CV Guide which gives you a quick outline of the key sections, what to include along with some helpful tips and hints. We also have a CV Template in a word document that works alongside this guide, this is also available on our Padlet Resources page.

CV Template

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:22:46 UTC

Looking for help with your CV?

We have put together a CV Template in a word document format, you can download this to edit and personalise. This is a great way to get started with writing or editing your own CV. We also have a CV Guide that works alongside this template, this is also available on our Padlet Resources page.

Online Resources Booklet

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:26:55 UTC

In this booklet you will find a list, and a quick introduction, to a range of online resources. These are created and run by trusted companies who offer opportunities for you to build skills, knowledge and even gain work experience online.

Who are the Youth Futures Team?

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:31:04 UTC

We are a small team of 3 people working across Lancashire to support young people.

Anna Wolnik – North Lancashire

Imtiaz Shah – East Lancashire

Steph Kenyon – Central Lancashire

Get in touch with the Youth Futures team to chat about how we can help or arrange to meet up in person.

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk

01772 531 044

Who do we support?

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:37:30 UTC

We work with young people who live in Lancashire, if they are

16 or 17
Not in Education, Employment or Training
We DO NOT support young people who are working with another professional service (including EHCPs). If a professional is involved, we can offer signposting careers information.

What do we do do?

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:38:06 UTC

We help young people to figure out their next steps, helping with:
- Finding a job or apprenticeship
- Getting into education
- Volunteering or work experience
- Gaining skills and exploring strengths
- Helping you to figure out what it is they want to do

- and much more!

Our goal is to help them achieve their career goals by meeting young people where they are right now. We are connected with a range of partner organisations that offer specialist support and opportunities to help young people succeed in the future.

Referrals

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:40:17 UTC

Are you a professional looking to refer into the Youth Futures team?

Not a problem, please use the flow chart attached to help you figure out when and how to refer into our service.

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk

01772 531 044

How to contact us?

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 16:43:46 UTC

You can contact us via phone, text, email or completing our form. Whichever works easiest for you.

Call –

Team Number: 01772 531 044

Call or text -

Central Lancashire: 07917 534459
East Lancashire: 07729 081094
North Lancashire: 07354 167290

Email –

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk

Form –

Youth Futures Form – Fill in form

Exploring Careers Booklet

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 17:00:46 UTC

No idea where to start with your careers research? Feeling stuck or confused? Our Exploring Careers booklet is a good place to start, it gives you tips and ideas about how and where to start your research.

You can use it alongside our Pick N Mix Activity Booklet.

Pick N Mix Activity

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 17:01:03 UTC

No idea where to start with your careers research? Feeling stuck or confused?

Our Pick N Mix Activity Booklet is designed to help you with your careers research. You can use it alongside our Exploring Careers Booklet.

Apprenticeship Booklet

youthfutures — 2025-12-09 17:07:11 UTC

Interested in getting an apprenticeship? This booklet gives you a quick guide as to what an apprenticeship is, the different types and how to go about finding one.

Job Hunting Booklet

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 10:35:44 UTC

Are you looking to find a job? This booklet offers quick and simple advice about how to get started and some tips are being effective.

LinkedIn Booklet

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 10:39:00 UTC

LinkedIn is a fantastic careers tool, it is a professional social media space. This means it can be very helpful to help you with finding jobs, learning about industries and more. However, it is not like any other social media space in that you must present your professional self. This booklet will help you with getting started.

Year 11 Transitions Booklet

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 10:56:14 UTC

Not sure what’s next after Year 11?
This booklet gives you clear, practical advice on post-16 options in Lancashire, sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships, and more. Find tips on choosing courses, finance, and support to help you plan your future.

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 15:26:28 UTC

In this section you will find a selection of helpful websites and online resources that are created and run by trusted sources.

These are often resources we use to support the young people we work with. They provide a range of support from job profiles, CVs, advice and information and more.

Lancashire County Council: Education, employment and training

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:13:54 UTC

Explore the Jobs, Education & Training hub on Lancashire County Council’s website. Get clear, practical guidance on apprenticeships, full-time study, part-time work or volunteering, and financial support options. Plus, access careers advice and tailored support from the Youth Futures Team, all in one place to help you confidently shape your future.

Discover careers that might fit you

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:15:38 UTC

The Prospects Job Profiles site is a free tool to explore hundreds of career paths. Each profile gives you an overview of the role, typical responsibilities, salary ranges, and entry requirements. Use it to research jobs, compare options, and plan the skills or qualifications you’ll need for your next step. It is also a great tool to use with our Pick N Mix Activity Booklet.

Career Planner Tool

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:16:15 UTC

The Prospects Career Planner helps you match your skills, interests, and ambitions to real job options. Complete the quick questionnaire to discover careers that suit you, explore detailed profiles, and get tailored advice on qualifications and next steps. It’s a great way to turn ideas into a clear plan.

CV & Cover Letter Advice

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:17:07 UTC

This section of Prospects offers expert advice on writing CVs and cover letters that employers notice. You’ll find examples, tips for tailoring your application, and guidance on what to include for different roles. Use it to polish your documents and boost your chances of landing interviews.

National Careers Service

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:24:36 UTC

This National Careers Service guide breaks down your post-GCSE options in a clear, friendly way. Explore full-time study (A‑levels, vocational courses, T‑levels), apprenticeships, traineeships, or combining work or volunteering with part-time education. You’ll find advice on choosing what suits you best, understanding legal requirements, and getting support to move forward confidently.

Amazing Apprenticeships

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:25:54 UTC

Amazing Apprenticeships is packed with resources to help you understand, find, and apply for apprenticeship opportunities. Explore guides, vacancy listings, employer insights, and practical tips for applications and interviews. Use it to discover what’s out there and take the first step toward an exciting career.

Skills for Careers

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:28:59 UTC

This section of Skills for Careers is designed for young people thinking about their next steps. It explains different pathways, like T Levels, apprenticeships, and technical qualifications, and shows how skills link to real jobs. Use it to discover options, understand what employers want, and plan the training that will help you succeed.

Gov. Find a Job

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:30:10 UTC

Find a Job is a free government service that helps you look for work across all sectors. You can browse roles by location, industry, or keyword, create an account to save searches, and apply directly online. Use it to keep track of applications and find opportunities that match your skills.

Gov. Find an Apprenticeship

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:31:10 UTC

This official government site makes it easy to find apprenticeship opportunities by location, sector, or level. Create an account to save searches, set alerts, and apply online. Use it to track your applications and discover roles that match your skills and interests.

Support a Young Person to make choices

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:36:25 UTC

This guide is for parents, carers, and anyone helping young people plan their future. It explains how to explore career ideas, understand post-16 options, and use trusted tools like job profiles and skills assessments. Use it to start conversations, find reliable advice, and guide young people toward informed decisions.

Skills for Careers: Apprenticeships

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:37:30 UTC

This page explains what apprenticeships are, how they work, and why they’re a great way to gain skills while getting paid. You’ll find details on different levels, industries, and how to apply, plus links to resources that help you decide if this route is right for you.

Skills for Careers: A Levels

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:38:07 UTC

This page explains what A Levels are, how they’re structured, and why they’re a popular route to university and higher-level careers. You’ll find guidance on subject choices, entry requirements, and how A Levels compare to other qualifications. Use it to decide if this academic pathway is right for you.

Skills for Careers: Vocational Learning

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:38:46 UTC

This page explains what VTQs are and how they prepare you for specific careers through practical, skills-based training. You’ll find details on the types of qualifications available, the industries they cover, and how they compare to A Levels or apprenticeships. Use it to decide if a technical route is right for you.

Skills for Careers: T Levels

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:39:30 UTC

This page explains what T Levels are, two-year technical courses designed with employers to prepare you for skilled work, apprenticeships, or higher study. Learn how they combine classroom learning with industry placements, explore subject options, and find out if this hands-on route is right for you.

Why Volunteer?

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:40:12 UTC

This guide explains how volunteering can boost your skills, confidence, and CV while helping your community. It covers where to find opportunities, what to expect, and how volunteering can lead to jobs or training. Use it to explore roles that match your interests and start making a difference.

Lancashire Volunteering

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:40:39 UTC

Lancashire Volunteer Partnership connects people with local roles that make a real difference. Whether you want to support your community, gain experience, or build new skills, you can search by location and interest. Use it to discover flexible opportunities and start volunteering today.

Young People Mental Health Support

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:41:33 UTC

Children & Young People’s Psychological Services (CYPPS) offers specialist help for ages 4–18. Find out how to access assessments and therapy through your GP, school, or self-referral.

Lancashire Mind

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:41:59 UTC

Lancashire Mind offers resources, support, and community projects to help improve mental wellbeing. From practical advice and training to local initiatives and campaigns, the site is designed to help you take care of your mental health and find support when you need it.

Young Minds

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:42:24 UTC

YoungMinds is a leading charity offering advice, resources, and campaigns to help young people and their families manage mental health challenges. From practical guides and self-help tips to crisis support and advocacy, the site is designed to empower you to find help and feel heard.

Kooth

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:42:52 UTC

Kooth offers confidential counselling and wellbeing resources for young people. You can chat with trained professionals, join community forums, and access self-help tools, all online and free. Use it to get support whenever you need it, without waiting lists or referrals.

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:43:53 UTC

In this section you will find a selection of the booklets and resources we use when working with young people.

These cover a variety of topics from getting started, transition advice, specific job searching information and more.

youthfutures — 2025-12-10 16:49:28 UTC

This is a list of drop in sessions we run across the county, and online. We focus these on Central, East and North Lancashire and as such our drop ins are based in those areas.

Look for the < and > arrows on the images to see the leaflets for each area.

Careers Guide for Parents & Carers

youthfutures — 2025-12-12 11:01:58 UTC

This guide supports parents and carers in navigating post-16 and post-18 options, from A Levels and T Levels to apprenticeships and vocational training. It offers practical tips on career conversations, financial planning, interview preparation, and understanding today’s changing workplace. Use it to explore pathways, build skills, and access trusted resources that make career decisions easier.

Youth Futures – Professionals: Getting Started

youthfutures — 2026-01-07 11:51:06 UTC

A quick, practical guide to help professionals support 16–17-year-olds who aren’t in education or employment. This resource gives simple conversation starters, option‑exploration tools, CV basics, job search guidance, apprenticeship and education info, plus signposting and short activities—everything you need to confidently support young people with their next steps.

youthfutures — 2026-01-07 11:52:12 UTC

In this section, you’ll find a selection of resources designed to support professionals working with young people.

“What Are Your Plans?” Activity

youthfutures — 2026-01-07 15:04:41 UTC

This quick reflective worksheet helps young people think about their next steps by exploring short‑term and long‑term goals. It encourages them to consider education, career ideas, and where they hope to be in the future, making it a useful tool for guiding meaningful conversations about planning ahead.

“How to Understand a Business” Activity

youthfutures — 2026-01-07 15:05:27 UTC

A practical activity that supports young people to research and break down how a business works. They explore mission statements, team structures, roles, and who they might work with, inside and outside the organisation. Ideal for preparing for applications, interviews, or understanding workplace environments.

“What Are Your Strengths & Weaknesses?” Activity

youthfutures — 2026-01-07 15:05:57 UTC

This reflective activity helps young people explore their personal qualities, skills, and areas for development. By identifying what they do well, what others appreciate about them, and what they find challenging, it encourages self‑awareness and confidence. A skills checklist also helps them think about where they feel comfortable and where they may want to grow.

“Who Are You and What Can You Do?” Activity

youthfutures — 2026-01-07 15:06:21 UTC

A guided worksheet designed to help young people build a clear picture of their identity, experiences, and abilities. It covers home life, travel, education, interests, responsibilities, hobbies, and practical skills—making it a great tool for preparing job applications, interviews, college forms, or future planning discussions.

CDI Technical Education Resource Hub

youthfutures — 2026-02-11 12:59:03 UTC

This link is a trusted space created by the Career Development Institute to help professionals stay up to date with technical education. It brings together clear, reliable information on T Levels, apprenticeships, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) and the ongoing post‑16 qualifications reforms, all designed to support professionals working with young people. The site offers comprehensive signposting to external resources, regular updates on policy changes, and accessible explanations of the technical education landscape.

Money Management

youthfutures — 2026-03-31 12:13:33 UTC

This free short course from The Open University is designed to help young people aged 15–17 feel more confident with money. It’s all about real‑life money skills—things like budgeting, understanding payslips, tax, saving, and spotting scams.

The course takes around five hours to complete and is split into small, easy sessions you can do in school, at home, or on your own. No experience needed—just jump in and learn at your own pace.

You can also explore more free courses on the OpenLearn platform to help you build skills, boost your confidence, and plan your future. The Open University is also developing new programmes to help young people see higher education as something that’s accessible to everyone.

youthfutures — 2026-06-15 09:47:34 UTC

This is a list of drop-in sessions running throughout August for Year 11 school leavers across Lancashire, as well as opportunities to access support online.

We focus on Central, East and North Lancashire, and our sessions are based in those areas to make it easier for you to attend.

Look for the < and > arrows on the images to view the full leaflet for each area and find a session near you.

East Lancashire Events

youthfutures — 2026-06-15 09:52:41 UTC

Are you finishing Year 11 this summer?

Are you aged 16–17 and living in East Lancashire?

Not sure what your next step is?

We’re here to help.

Join one of our August drop-in sessions in your local area to get support with your next steps – whether that’s college, apprenticeships, training, work, or building your confidence.

Some sessions are drop-in, but others may require an appointment – please check each leaflet carefully for full details.

Can’t make it? No problem — you can still get in touch:

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk
01772 531 044

Central Lancashire Events

youthfutures — 2026-06-15 09:54:29 UTC

Are you finishing Year 11 this summer?

Are you aged 16–17 and living in Central Lancashire?

Not sure what your next step is?

We’re here to help.

Join one of our August drop-in sessions in your local area to get support with your next steps – whether that’s college, apprenticeships, training, work, or building your confidence.

Some sessions are drop-in, but others may require an appointment – please check each leaflet carefully for full details.

Can’t make it? No problem — you can still get in touch:

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk
01772 531 044

North Lancashire Events

youthfutures — 2026-06-15 09:55:31 UTC

Are you finishing Year 11 this summer?

Are you aged 16–17 and living in North Lancashire?

Not sure what your next step is?

We’re here to help.

Join one of our August drop-in sessions in your local area to get support with your next steps – whether that’s college, apprenticeships, training, work, or building your confidence.

Some sessions are drop-in, but others may require an appointment – please check each leaflet carefully for full details.

Can’t make it? No problem — you can still get in touch:

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk
01772 531 044

Online Events

youthfutures — 2026-06-15 09:56:18 UTC

Are you finishing Year 11 this summer?

Are you aged 16–17 and living in Lancashire?

Not sure what your next step is?

We’re here to help.

Join one of our online August drop-in sessions to get support with your next steps – whether that’s college, apprenticeships, training, work, or building your confidence.

All sessions are drop-in, no need to book, just click "join".

Can’t make it? No problem — you can still get in touch:

youthfutures@lancashire.gov.uk
01772 531 044

Y11 Next Steps Timeline

youthfutures — 2026-06-17 15:39:10 UTC

A helpful timeline young people who are in Year 11, showing what to focus on throughout the year to prepare for your next steps.

It covers key stages like when to start researching options, applying, interviews, exams and results, so you can stay organised and feel more confident about what’s next.

This resource is helpful for those in mainstream education, home education or not in any form of education.

SpringPod

youthfutures — 2026-07-16 09:56:54 UTC

Springpod offers free virtual work experience programmes with leading employers and universities, helping you explore different careers from home.

Complete online experiences, develop your employability skills, learn about different industries, and earn certificates that can be added to your CV, college applications, or future job applications.

Lancashire Service Finder

youthfutures — 2026-07-16 10:17:21 UTC

Lancashire Service Finder is a directory of local services and support available across Lancashire.

Use it to find information, advice and organisations that can help with a wide range of needs, including education, employment, training, health and wellbeing, housing, money, family support and activities in your local area. It's a great starting point if you're looking for support or opportunities near you

Amazing Apprenticeships: Results Day Resources

youthfutures — 2026-08-12 11:14:38 UTC

Results Days are nearly here!

If you are supporting a young person over the next few weeks, don’t forget Amazing Apprenticeships results day resources.

Arranged by GCSE and post-18 resources, check out their dedicated page, where there’s something for everyone no matter what stage you're at.

On the page, you can:

Explore the different options and pathways through our comparison guides
Learn more about Apprenticeships, T Levels and HTQs
Get inspired through films, guides, rapid reads, quizzes and more!