16 to 18 years old

Have you have already left school or perhaps been on a college or training programme? Are you unemployed and not sure what to do? Although it might feel tougher than usual there are still a wide range of options for you to consider. The most important thing is that you choose your next step based on your likes and aspirations for the future.

The following links are here as a guide. There is information related to education and training in Salford from local colleges and training providers who offer apprenticeships, financial information including travel passes, mental health support for those who are feeling worried plus other information on finding a job.

Click on the different sections to take you to each area, if you cannot find what you are looking for then contact:

Salford City College open events

Thinking of visiting a college open evening? Get dates, times and further information.

Education

T-Levels

What they are:

T Levels are new courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to 3 A levels. These 2-year courses, which launched September 2020, have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training or study.

T Levels offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 315 hours (approximately 45 days).

Current T Level subject areas:

  • Accounting
  • Building Services Engineering for Construction
  • Digital Production, Design and Development
  • Digital Support Services
  • Digital Business Services
  • Education and Early Years
  • Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
  • Finance
  • Health
  • Science
  • Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Management and Administration
  • Onsite Construction

Search for your nearest colleges and schools that are delivering T Levels.


The Salford City College Group consists of several colleges across Salford, these are detailed below.

City Skills (Salford City College Group)

City Skills support students in their next steps, the pastoral and careers teams work with students at the college to facilitate pathways on to apprenticeships, higher education and into employment.

Courses available:

  • Brickwork
  • Carpentry and joinery
  • Civil engineering
  • Electrical installation
  • Motor vehicle
  • Multi-trade skills
  • Painting and decorating
  • Plastering
  • Plumbing
  • Professional Construction
  • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Eccles Sixth Form College (Salford City College Group)

Eccles Sixth Form College offers an extensive range of vocational subjects, a wealth of enrichment activities, specialised careers advice, and a comprehensive programme of support and personal development so that all students can flourish both academically and as individuals.

Courses available:

  • Animal management
  • Applied science
  • Business studies
  • Criminology
  • Early years
  • Care and education
  • Equine studies
  • Health and social care
  • Military cadets
  • Nursing cadets
  • Psychology
  • Protective services
  • Skills for life and employment
  • Sport and exercise science
  • Travel and tourism
  • Veterinary nursing

The Skills for Life and Employment department at Eccles Sixth Form College provide a range of Pre-Entry, Entry and Level 1 courses for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Our courses cater for students who have highly specialised support needs including peg feeding, tracheotomy maintenance, sensory impairment, profound mental health issues and degenerative life limiting conditions. Support is in built throughout these courses with a team of specially trained teaching staff and Support Assistants.

FutureSkills at MediaCityUK (Salford City College Group)

FutureSkills at MediaCityUK is a well-established centre of excellence for young people who wish to pursue a career in creative and digital industries.

Courses available:

  • Computer Science
  • Creative Media and Creative Music
  • Digital Production, Design and Development
  • ESOL
  • Games Design
  • IT
  • Journalism
  • Media Make-up

Pendleton Sixth Form College (Salford City College Group)

Pendleton Sixth Form College offers a wide range of A-levels and vocational courses and specialises in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), creative arts and performing arts. 

Courses available in the following areas:

  • Acting
  • Applied Science
  • Art and Design
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Classical Civilisation
  • Computer Science
  • Criminology
  • Dance
  • Drama and Theatre Studies
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • Fashion and Textiles
  • Film
  • Financial Studies
  • Fine Art Photography
  • Forensic Science
  • French
  • Geography
  • Graphic Design
  • Health and Social Care
  • History
  • Human Biology
  • ICT
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Mathematics and Further Mathematics
  • Media
  • Musical Theatre
  • Photography
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Space Engineering
  • Spanish
  • Sport and Physical Activity
  • Technical Theatre Production

Worsley College (Salford City College Group)

Worsley College supports students in their next steps. The outstanding curriculum, pastoral, and careers team, work with students at the college to facilitate pathways onto apprenticeships, higher education, and into employment.

Courses available:

  • Business and travel
  • Early years childcare
  • Hairdressing
  • Beauty therapies and media make-up
  • Health and social care
  • Hospitality and culinary arts
  • Sport and physical activity
  • The Prince’s Trust team programme

Apprenticeships at Salford City College

The Apprenticeship Team are currently offering:

  • One to one appointments
  • CV support
  • Apprenticeship guidance
  • Careers advice
  • Maths and English assessments
  • Virtual appointments by request with any of candidates, parents and services.

All candidates will then progress into our recruitment talent pool where our team of advisors ensure they are supported and prepared, ready to be placed into apprenticeships as quickly and efficiently as possible. Please call 0161 631 5555.

Apprenticeship programmes are available in the following sectors:

  • Business
  • Professional and financial services
  • Construction and the built environment
  • Education and early years
  • Health and social care
  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Hair and beauty

Trafford College

Trafford College offers a wide range of options from traditional courses to new T Levels which combine classroom learning with extended industry placements. Trafford College also offers Apprenticeships.


Bolton Community College

Bolton College offers a wide range of options from traditional courses to new T Levels which combine classroom learning with extended industry placements. Bolton College also offers Apprenticeships.


Wigan and Leigh College

Wigan and Leigh College offer a wide range of courses from Creative Arts to Engineering, Hairdressing to Motor Vehicle. Whatever you are interested in, see if they have a course for you.


Bury College

Bury College offers A Levels, T Levels, Vocational Courses and Apprenticeships.
University Courses are also available at Bury.


Manchester College

As the largest Further Education College in the UK, The Manchester College offers courses from Entry Level through to Level 7.


Loreto College

Loreto is a Catholic 6th Form College, offering predominantly A Level and BTEC courses.


Xaverian College

Xaverian is a Catholic Sixth Form College offering a very wide range of A-Levels in addition to several BTEC courses.


Access Creative College

Access Creative College is the place for young people who want to follow their passion for a career in the creative industries.


University of Salford

A range of undergraduate, postgraduate and degree level apprenticeship opportunities in Salford.


University of Manchester

A range of undergraduate, postgraduate and degree level apprenticeship opportunities in Manchester.


Manchester Metropolitan University

A range of undergraduate, postgraduate and degree level apprenticeship opportunities in Manchester.


University of Bolton

A range of undergraduate, postgraduate and degree level apprenticeship opportunities in Bolton.

Employment

Help for UC Claimants, aged 18 to 24, to find a job, work-related training or an apprenticeship though the Youth Offer has been published on GOV.UK.


Supported internship

Supported internships are structured study programmes specifically designed for young people aged 16-24 with Education, Health and Care plans (or statements of SEN).


Find a Job

Find full or part-time jobs in England, Scotland and Wales. Use the ‘Find a job’ service to search and apply for jobs. (This service has replaced Universal Jobmatch).


Greater Jobs

Search and apply for full and part time vacancies across Greater Manchester.


Access to Work

Get support in work if you have a disability or health condition.


Salford Employment Hub

Salford Employment Hub offers a tailored 'one stop' offer on behalf of Salford City Council's Employer Engagement Partnership, in order to connect local people and businesses to opportunities in Salford. Call 0161 237 4176.


Jobhelp

Offers essential advice about which sectors are recruiting now, transferable skills and how to secure a new role.


Employment4Students

The latest student jobs, part time jobs, temporary jobs, internships and graduate jobs.


Not Going To Uni

If you want an opportunity other than University, Not Going To Uni is a national site for apprenticeships, gap years, distance learning and jobs.


Salford Futures Work Experience

Salford Futures provides support to unemployed Salford residents through the provision of work experience placements and pre-employment training and support. Email salfordfutures@salford.gov.uk


Skills and Work Team

The Skills and Work team at Salford City Council, collaborate with partners to support the skills, employment, education and training needs of the community. Email sawhelpline@salford.gov.uk


Employ Greater Manchester

Employ GM have a range of service available to help you get into work.

  • Creating, updating and tailoring your CV
  • Applying for jobs and marketing yourself online
  • Preparing for interviews

0161 237 4121 for support searching for work.

0161 393 6473 for careers advice and guidance.


Salford Health Works

Salford Health Works is a locally run programme that supports people in Salford aged 18 to 65. They work in partnership to help people make positive and lasting changes to their lifestyles that will improve their health and wellbeing.

They offer health and wellbeing support and support to move into employment.

Call 0161 603 6847 or email shwenquiries@salford.gov.uk


Prince’s Trust

The Prince's Trust helps 11 to 30 year olds who are unemployed, struggling at school and at risk of exclusion. The aim is to give individuals the skills, tools, training and confidence needed to get an apprenticeship or paid work. Call 0800 842 842.


Salford Foundation

Salford Foundation offers employment and training to young people and adults across Greater Manchester to help them access employment opportunities and improve their career prospects. Call 0161 787 8500 or email enquiries@salfordfoundation.org.uk

Information, advice and guidance

THE MIX

Essential support for under 25s on:

  • Sex and relationships
  • Your body, mental health
  • Drink and drugs
  • Housing
  • Money
  • Work and study
  • Crime and safety
  • Travel and lifestyle

The Rio Ferdinand Foundation

'Youth Voices', is an online programme offering a range of free sessions, workshops and training for young people aged 14 to 21 from across Greater Manchester and the UK. 

These free online sessions take place daily from Monday to Friday at different times, however, all sessions are repeated each month from September to December. You can choose the sessions they are interested in, create your own schedule, and complete selected sessions at your own individual pace. 

If taken together as part of a journey, the sessions will build understanding of social action and you will gain confidence in using the various tools and media at your disposal. 

The Express Yourself workshops in Spoken Word, Smart Phone Filmmaking and Podcasting will guide young people to produce their own impactful campaign pieces to share as part of a national Hope2020 campaign in November and December 2020 alongside partners The Co-op. 


Salford Connexions Service

Information and guidance for young people on careers, jobs, courses and local training.

Email salford@careerconnect.org.uk or call 0161 393 4500 to make an appointment to see/speak to an advisor or contact them on Facebook or Twitter


GMACS

Greater Manchester Apprenticeship and Careers Service - Packed with advice, tips and information, find everything you need to make choices about your next steps and begin your career.

Discover what events are happening in Greater Manchester that could benefit your career progression.


My World of work

Learn more about yourself, explore your options and find the career that's right for you.


Uni and Me

Uni and Me guide and other useful student resources on GM Higher website.


National Apprenticeships Service

National website listing apprenticeships. Search and apply based on location, distance, keywords and levels.


FutureLearn

Learn 100% online with world-class universities and industry experts. Develop your career, learn a new skill, or pursue your hobbies with flexible online courses.


Careerpilot

Careers information and tools for 11 to 19 year olds, all in one place. Look at your pathways and choices at 14, 16 and 18.

Do the buzz quiz, put in your likes and dislikes and look over the information it suggests.


GM Higher - my student journey

Everything in one place - a wide range of resources to help you explore the benefits of Higher Education and how to get there. Online resources, events, activities and information for parents and carers.


GM Higher - resources

GM Higher resources cover a range of topics areas such as budgeting, wellbeing, revision skills, and study skills.

They also signpost to resources from our partners and other education providers.


DWP - Jobcentre

Visit Find a job - from the department of work and pensions, if you are looking for a full or part-time job, or even some temporary work. Help and support is also available for people seeking employment.


ASK Apprenticeships - Information for teachers, students and parents

Apprenticeships are amazing. Let us tell you why, and help you to pass that message on. Dive straight into the free resources, learn about becoming an apprenticeship champion, read about apprenticeship vacancies coming up later in the year, or find out how to request support for your school from our delivery partners now.


Banana Enterprise Network

Offer pre-business start up and pre-social enterprise training and education programmes as well as one to one support to low income families, including single parents and unemployed.


Broughton Trust

The Trust provides adult learning, youth work, employment support and community development across the city.


National Careers Service

Provide information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.

Use the career tools to help you with your choices on careers, training and work. Whatever your situation, there's something to help.


YEUK

Their Skills and Careers Hub provides 14 to 24 year olds with free resources, advice and guidance. Designed with input from young people, the Skills and Careers Hub offers practical tools to support young people through education, transition into employment and beyond in a process of lifelong learning.

  • Careers inspiration
  • Skills development
  • Opportunities
  • Peer to peer content
  • Youth Friendly Employers
  • Information on a range of topics including mental health and finances and signposting to expert organisations and support.

Financial support

This is for students who had planned to start higher education this year but who have had to defer until next year.

The package of support provides opportunities to:

  • Gain new skills
  • Undertake work placements in the public, private and voluntary sectors
  • Undertake additional learning
  • Get career development support

Salix Homes

Meet our youth panel and get the opportunity to apply for our youth fund.

Whether you’re an apprentice who’s after some new tools for the trade, or a youth club in desperate need for some new equipment, we’d urge you to apply to the Boost4Youth fund.

Salix Homes has launched our Boost4Youth fund, offering grants of up to £500 a time to help fund youth projects or initiatives that will directly help young people living in Salford. Applicants don’t have to be a Salix Homes tenant, but the project must benefit young people aged up to 17 living in Salix Homes neighbourhoods.


Clarion

You can apply for a grant from Clarion Housing to get financial support to help improve your community, pay for training or to start your own business. We have a range of different grants to help you improve your skills, get your business idea off the ground or improve your local community. Take a look at the website for more information about the grants available to our customers:

  • Digital Grants
  • Community grants
  • Work grants
  • Micro grants
  • Training grants
  • Business Start Up grants
  • Business Self Employed Work grants

Prince’s Trust Development Fund

Help for Young People - Get funding towards:

  • Travel
  • ID
  • Clothes
  • Birth certificates
  • College equipment
  • IT equipment
  • Training courses

Email: greatermanchester@princes-trust.org.uk


Hamilton Davies Trust

For Irlam and Cadishead young people, The Chris Stocks fund provides small value grants to support young people to develop their skills and benefit their future employability.

The fund targets people engaged in an apprenticeship, or a similar arrangement, to develop ‘hands on’ practical skills and examples of the type of trades supported so far include an apprenticeship in vehicle spray painting, vehicle panel beating, football, tattooing plus a beautician course.

Funding can be provided to support a variety of different items and costs associated with pursuing a particular trade including the following:

  • Safety clothing
  • Equipment
  • Tools
  • Travel
  • Training costs

Big Local

Do you live in the Little Hulton Big Local area and need funding towards starting up your own business, or expanding an existing one? 

Does your business benefit the people living in the Little Hulton Big Local area and you need financial help? Contact us and see if we can offer you a grant.


Mustard Tree

Struggling financially and in need of clothing, furniture, household items or white goods - then Mustard Tree may be able to help.

Have an interview coming up and don’t have the appropriate clothing? Mustard Tree often receive donated items such as suits, men’s shirts, dresses and other various items which are useful for interviews.


Shine Trust

Have an idea for a project to help disadvantaged children succeed at school and give then the best possible start to education in the Early Years?

We fund projects that build best practice in developing communication and language skills in nurseries, schools, and other childcare settings.

Looking for funding? SHINE offers targeted funding opportunities across the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber regions.


Our Pass

Our Pass cardholders can travel for free on local buses across Greater Manchester. They can also benefit from half-price off peak one-day and weekend Travelcards on Metrolink, and exclusive opportunities, experiences and benefits from a range of partner organisations.

There is a one off £10 admin fee. If struggling financially speak to Connexions and see if you can get some help towards the cost. 


Catch 22

  • Expenses for travel, interview, and work wear
  • Funding towards ID - birth certificates / driving licence / other forms of ID
  • Fund DBS if this leads to an individual starting work
  • Funding for training and learning programmes that may increase employment opportunities

Lindsay Waite, Employment Advisor at Barclays Connect with Work can be contacted on 07782 208962.


Turn2Us

Turn2Us is a national charity helping people when times get tough. We provide financial support to help people get back on track.

Turn2Us helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through our partner organisations.


Salford Assist

If you find yourself without the finances to feed yourself or family or heat your home, help is available from Salford Assist.

The Salford City Council scheme offers short-term support to people who can’t meet their own or family’s basic needs because of a crisis, emergency or disaster.

Support is discretionary but could include help with baby items, essential furniture, gas and electricity or necessary documents for people who are homeless. Salford Assist can also signpost to debt, benefits and affordable energy advice.

Call 0800 952 1000 or email salfordassist@salford.gov.uk


Student finance

You may be able to borrow money to help pay for university or college tuition fees and to help with living costs.

You might get extra money on top of this, for example if you’re on a low income, are disabled or have children.


Council Tax Reduction and/or Housing Benefit

If you are already in receipt of Council Tax Reduction and/or Housing Benefit, payments will continue as normal. However, if anyone has a change in circumstances please complete our change in circumstances online form to update us.


Struggling to pay your council tax

If you have lost your job or aren’t getting paid and struggling to pay your council tax, please see our back on track pages where there is a wide range of support available.

For example, you may be entitled to help with your council tax through the council tax reduction scheme or we may be able to change or extend your payment plan.


Salford Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Service

We can help you work out what benefits and tax credits you are entitled to and argue your case at an appeal if you disagree with a decision. If you have debt problems we can help you draw up financial statements, negotiate with your creditors and represent you in court. Get more detail about the different ways you can contact us for welfare rights or debt advice.


Citizens Advice

It's important to make sure that you get all the help that you're entitled to. These pages give you information on:

  • benefits
  • tax credits if you are working or unemployed, sick or disabled, a parent, a young person, an older person or a veteran 
  • council tax
  • housing costs
  • national insurance
  • payment of benefits
  • problems with benefits

Universal Credit helpline

Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs.

Coronavirus and claiming benefits page provides information about coronavirus and claiming benefits. It will continue to be updated. Please check this page regularly for updates on the arrangements the Department for Work and Pensions is making to support those who are affected by coronavirus. On this page you can find information on:

  • If you’re in work and not claiming benefits
  • If you’re already claiming benefits
  • Changes to jobcentre appointments
  • Changes to health assessments
  • Changes to how much you’ll get
  • If you’re self-employed
  • Changes to your earnings
  • If you’re making a new claim
  • If you’re an employer

National Debt Line

National Debtline is a charity.

They give free and independent advice over the phone on 0808 808 4000 or online.


Stepchange Debt Charity

You can get free, confidential and expert debt advice online or over the phone.

We'll recommend the best debt solutions for your individual circumstances.

We'll support you while you deal with your debt problems, for as long as you need our help.

We also campaign on your behalf to reduce the risk of problem debt and the harm it causes.

Call 0800 138 1111.


Money Helper Service

  • Free and impartial money advice, set up by government
  • Advice and guides to help improve your finances
  • Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
  • Support over the phone and online

Better Off Salford

BetterOff Salford website provides online information for people who live in Salford.

It shows you the benefits you are entitled to and will help you to apply for them online.

BetterOff also provides information on how to find and apply for jobs.

If you prefer to talk to someone to see if you can become better off, you can book an appointment to speak to a senior advisor from your local Gateway centre. They provide support on council tax, business rates and benefits or can put you in touch with a wide range of services that can help you such as housing and health and wellbeing.

Emotional health

Crisis Lines in Greater Manchester

If you feel you need mental health support, please contact one of these 24/7 crisis lines - they're available to anyone of any age.

  • Salford, Manchester, Trafford and Rochdale - 0800 953 0285 (freephone)
  • Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop - 0800 014 9995 (freephone)
  • Wigan - 0800 051 3253 (freephone)

If there's an immediate risk of danger to life, you should ring 999.


Mental health services specifically for young people

42nd Street

42nd Street is a charity based in Greater Manchester. We offer a range of individual therapeutic support, learning opportunities, groups and creative activities for young people, encouraging you to find your voice, develop new skills, have fun and demonstrate that you can manage your mental health and wellbeing to achieve your full potential.


42nd Street Online

  • Online Support - Free online support, giving you weekly one-to-one support with an allocated worker to help you through tough times.
  • Groups - Free and informal online groups, designed to provide practical help and information about key issues you might be struggling with in your life.

Q42 (for LGBTQ+)

Q42 is a pace for LGBTQ+ youth to meet, talk and grow friendships so that no young person has to feel isolated because of their sexuality or gender. I'ts a place where you can just be you.

It also has opportunities for LGBTQ+ talents to shine. For example podcasts, photography, art or many other ways.


Shout

Shout is a 24/7 crisis text messaging service you can send a text message any time of day or night wherever you are – every conversation is with a real person.

Just text SHOUT to 85258

  • You don’t need an app or data and there’s no registration process (its free on all major mobile networks)
  • For anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere
  • It’s silent and won’t appear on your phone bill
  • Confidential and anonymous
  • SHOUT if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help

Kooth

If you need advice or are just simply not feeling your best, then visit Kooth. It’s a free safe and anonymous place for young people to find support and counselling.


Young Minds

Young Minds is a place to get help and support children and young people's mental health.

  • Your Guide to support - your guide to CAMHS, who's who in mental health services and who you can call if you need to talk to someone.
  • Feelings and symptoms - abuse, anger, body image, bullying, eating problems, exam stress, grief and loss, problems at school, self-harm, sleep problems, suicidal feelings
  • Looking after yourself – asking for help, racism, coronavirus, social media, believe in yourself, asking for help, taking time out, friends and family, drugs and alcohol, young carers, looking after yourself at Uni 
  • For parents - worried about a child or young person's behaviour or mental health? You're not alone.

Childline

Call 0800 1111 or visit their website online.

When you call us on 0800 1111 you’ll get through to a counsellor, they’re there to listen and support you with anything you’d like to talk about. Or you can have a one to one counsellor chat online.

You can also send us an email from your locker. We’ll try to answer this within a day, but sometimes it can take a little longer.


Place2Be

Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity that provides counselling and mental health support and training in UK schools.


Anna Freud

Anna Freud provide a range of specialist types for support for children, young people and families, seeing them at the Centre, in schools and other settings.


CAMHS

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Service Delivery Centre provides:

District Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in North Manchester, Central Manchester, South Manchester and Salford.

A range of targeted services within Manchester and Salford, often provided in partnership with other agencies (16-17 team, Child and Parent Service (CAPS), children with disabilities, emotional health in schools and Looked After Children Team).


Emerge

Emerge is a service targeted at 16 and 17 years old. It is based in the community offering mental health services in a range of settings. Emerge is a stand-alone CAMHS service which focuses on the specific needs of 16 to 18 year olds with moderate to severe mental health problems. The team will accept routine and urgent referrals. All accepted urgent referrals will be prioritised and assessed within two working days. 16 to 17 year old young people presenting in emergency and / or in immediate crisis should attend their local Accident and Emergency Department where Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) will assess and liaise with Emerge 16 to 17 CMHT as appropriate.


Mental health services specifically for young people with SEND

National Autistic Society

National Autisic Society are the UK's largest provider of specialist autism services. Their trained staff and volunteers bring passion and expertise to the lives of 100,000 autistic people every year. Visit the website and you'll find services directed towards autistic people, parents and carers and professionals.


National Autistic Society (Transition)

Moving between different stages of life, such as school, college and work, is especially hard if you find change difficult, as many autistic people do.

The National Autistic Society can provide advice about strategies and support that can help during key life transitions – including starting or changing school, leaving school, and starting or leaving college or university.


Contact - the organisation for families with disabled children

The Disabled Children’s Partnership is a major coalition of more than 70 organisations campaigning for improved health and social care for disabled children, young people and their families.


For families with disabled children

For every shape and size of family, whatever they need and whatever their child’s disability, Contact are here.


Other support available

Shining a Light on Suicide

Whether you’re feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or have lost someone to suicide, you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, we’ll help you get the advice and support you need.


Time to Talk Next Steps

The programme supports young people with additional needs aged 16-25 years with confidence building and motivation for the future. This programme is specifically designed to reach young people who are experiencing anxiety, isolation and who have limited or no plans for the future post COVID-19. Young people can access peer support, online one to one sessions and get involved in coproducing training for professionals. The project is being delivered in partnership with national disability charity, Contact, who provide support, information and workshops for parents and carers on transition to adulthood.


Able Futures - mental health during lockdown

Able Futures deliver the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the department for work and pensions. They have recognised that the idea of facing winter, loneliness, parenting responsibilities, changes, loss or bereavement could be affecting any of us at the start of 2021. Everyone is feeling different about the latest lockdown, so here are just a few things that may be on your mind which advice and guidance at no cost from Able Futures could help you with. Read more about Able Futures.


Partners in Salford - Emotional Health Service Directory

Directory of all Emotional Health and Wellbeing services for Children and Young People.


Partners in Salford - national helplines

Helplines and support for children and young people.


Partners in Salford - information, advice and support

Children and young people may need additional support at some point in their lives and this is normal. Information and advice, or support from family and friends, usually helps. However, some children and young people may experience difficulties that are severe and chronic. They will need more specialist advice and support.


MIND

National mental health charity with over 125 local providers. MIND says 'We won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. We believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. We'll listen, give you support and advice, and fight your corner.'


AnxietyUK

Whether you have anxiety, stress, anxiety-based depression or a phobia that’s affecting your daily life, Anxiety UK is here to help you and they're fully supported by an expert team of medical advisors.


SANE

SANE offers emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental health problems through a helpline, Textcare and an online Support Forum where people share their feelings and experiences.

These services are provided by a team of volunteers who undergo rigorous training and in many cases give hundreds of hours of their free time each year.

SANE's Caller Care service is led by professional staff and provides ongoing support to help people alleviate a crisis phase or get through difficult circumstances.


Samaritans

Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. There is someone to talk to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - Call free on 116 123.


Dad Matters

Dad Matters is a Home-Start Project, based in Greater Manchester that aims to help dads have successful relationships with their families, and to support dads with anxiety, stress and mental health issues.

Dad Matters hope to get dads engaged with services that have traditionally been targeted at mums, and to train and support volunteer dads to work with the team.


Silver Cloud

Online programmes to help ease your levels of stress, sleep better or to build resilience. You can choose to use any of the programmes. They are self-help, confidential and secure.

How it works…

  1. Start with a short quiz to find the right path for you. Take two minutes to answer a seven-question multiple choice Wellbeing Quiz.
  2. Select a programme and sign up. Select the 'Sign up' button and access programmes which are proven to help you feel better.
  3. Learn and practice for up to one hour per week. On your homepage you can see the modules in your program. We suggest you complete one module per week.

As you progress through the modules, you will find new exercises which can help you apply what you are learning to your own life and soon you will notice you are feeling better.

Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership
Additional resources from our partners in Greater Manchester.


Papyrus

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life?

For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK.

They’re open 9am to 12am (midnight) every day of the year.

Call: 0800 068 4141 or email: pat@papyrus-uk

HOPELINK allows young people to work confidentially with HOPELINEUK’s trained suicide prevention advisers, empowering them to create, helping to keep them safe when they have thoughts of suicide and help users create, adapt and amend their own care plans.


MindEd

MindEd is a free educational resource suitable for all adults working with, or caring for, infants, children or teenagers.

  • For Professionals and Volunteers - This is for you if you volunteer, work or are studying to work with infants, children or teenagers.
  • For Parents and Carers - Are you a parent or carer who is concerned about the mental health of your child or teenager? Do you just want some hints and tips on parenting? MindEd for Families has advice and information
  • For Older People - Are you concerned about the mental health of an older family member, parent or grandparent? Or are you concerned about your own mental health as you get older?

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Provides support with:

  • Community Mental Health Teams
  • Inpatient services (Meadowbrook and Woodlands)
  • Rehabilitation
  • Memory Assessment Treatment service (MATS)
  • Crisis Resolution Home Treatment
  • Early Intervention in Psychosis
  • Day opportunities
  • Psychology

START in Salford Arts Project

The creative activities at START have been successful in helping people overcome emotional difficulties and reach new heights. The opportunity to be creative acts as a social outlet for members as well as being a great way to learn new skills. It empowers them to express themselves more clearly and come to a better understanding of their place in the world and what they can achieve.


Self Help Services e-therapy

This service offers online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), such as Beating the Blues is very effective in helping people to overcome anxiety and/or depression.

It teaches you a wide range of CBT techniques via a computer and is clinically proven to help overcome issues related to low mood, anxiety, stress and insomnia.


Garden Needs

Garden Needs is a mental wellbeing garden centre, a partnership project between Mind in Salford and Social Adventures.

Garden Needs is a place to come and make friends, commune with nature and learn some new skills. There are drop-ins and volunteering opportunities for people with experience of mental or emotional distress. You can even do a qualification in horticulture and help with landscaping and grounds maintenance work.


Rethink

Rethink is a leading national mental health membership charity and works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. The website has information on a range of mental health needs from personality disorders through to schizophrenia.


Safe in Salford

Safe in Salford is part of the local charity Salford Women’s Aid, which offers a range of services to help and support women, men and children who are affected by domestic abuse.


Mencap

Mencap is the leading voice of learning disability. Everything they do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers.

Apprenticeships and training

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at Salford City College

The Apprenticeship Team are currently offering:

  • One to one appointments
  • CV support
  • Apprenticeship guidance
  • Careers advice
  • Maths and English assessments
  • Virtual appointments by request with any of candidates, parents and services.

All candidates will then progress into our recruitment talent pool where our team of advisors ensure they are supported and prepared, ready to be placed into apprenticeships as quickly and efficiently as possible. Please call 0161 631 5555.

Apprenticeship programmes are available in the following sectors:

  • Business
  • Professional and financial services
  • Construction and the built environment
  • Education and early years
  • Health and social care
  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Hair and beauty

Become An Apprentice:

Find out how to become an apprentice, what apprenticeships are available, which employers offer them and information about starting your apprenticeship.

Search and apply for an apprenticeship in England.


Amazing Apprenticeships:

Everything you need to know about apprenticeships from learning about the benefits of being an apprentice to exploring the current vacancies.


Growth Co offer a huge range of apprenticeships, traineeships and courses for people of all ages. As well as practically based training, they also offer a wide range of classroom-based courses designed to cater for all levels and all ages.

Apprenticeships are designed with progression in mind so you can move on to advanced apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships and, in some occupations, on to higher education.


Training

Time to update your skills?

Whether you’re looking for a new job, to change your career or making the most of opportunities during furlough, you can get help to update your skills for free. 

There are many free courses online – from mastering PowerPoint to learning Coding. And there’s help brushing up numeracy if that helps too.


Growth Company Study Programme

Our study programmes are for anyone aged 16 to 18 who wants to gain a recognised qualification to help improve their job prospects whilst building their confidence and self-esteem. You can view our locations online.

If you or someone you know would like more information, please get in touch and email kelly.swindlehurst@gceducationandskills.ac.uk


Prince’s Trust

Aimed at everyone – the Prince’s trust have set up a COVID-19 Support Hub which provides resources on education, well-being, money problems and work-related skills.

The Prince’s Trust are currently offering a free online Achieve Transition Programme will provide young people (16-18) an opportunity to bridge the gap that has been created in these challenging times. The Programme runs over a three week period and gives young people the chance to explore self-reflection and the opportunity to build key skills for their future.

For more information email Jennifer Walker: jennifer.walker@princes-trust.org.uk or Harry Freeman: harry.freeman@princes-trust.org.uk


ForViva/ForHousing

Offering placements within ForViva/ForHousing, as well as some external companies. Some of the types of placements they have on offer are:

  • Business admin
  • Multi-trade construction (including CSCS card if they complete the placement)
  • Customer services
  • Repairs and maintenance
  • Caretaking
  • Facilities management
  • Neighbourhoods and community support

To refer anyone in please email rachel.roberts@forviva.co.uk


Princes Trust: Digital Skills

This course with BuzzStart Academy is for 16 to 25 year olds, providing them with professional online training provision covering wide range of digital and soft skills. It will be delivered in a high-energy, experiential learning style and allow learners to feel more connected and confident whilst operating. Participants will gain an accredited certification in digital skills, while covering topics including:

  • Innovation: Come up with your next big idea and prototype it
  • Social marketing: Make the most of it for you, your career, community or business
  • Web presence: Make the web work for you
  • Cyber security: Tips to make you safer online
  • AI: Artificial Intelligence and automation and how to make it work for you
  • Working with data: Understand and put to practice the fundamentals of data research, collation and analysis

Contact Phil: phillip.johnson@princes-trust.org.uk or text ‘Tech’ to 07425 632065.


Foundation 92 Traineeship

The Foundation 92 programme will help you achieve your goals and become ‘work ready’. It will consist of a work experience placement, work preparation training and English and Maths qualifications. 

The course is free of charge with breakfast and lunch provided. There are pitch side classrooms at The Peninsula Stadium, the home of Salford City FC and kit is also provided. 

To qualify you must be 16 to 18 years and not currently in education, employment or training (NEET).


GMACS

What is an apprenticeship and how do they work? What does being an apprentice mean? Discover different apprenticeship types, get application hints and tips, and apply for vacancies.


Corinth Training CIC

Corinth Training is a community enterprise, a not for profit community training company based in Salford. We offer a range of free training courses and a job club to Salford residents aged 19 and over, irrespective of working or in receipt of benefits. We place our learners at the heart of what we do. 


Back2Work Training

Back2Work Complete Training provide Pre-Employment Training throughout the UK. Pre-Employment Training works great as both a recruitment service for employers and an employment service for those who are unemployed. Back2Work Complete Training work closely with large employers and Job Centres across the UK to give job seekers an effective and free service to support them into employment.


The Education and Skills Partnership

The Education and Skills Partnership are a training organisation that specialise in Apprenticeships, Commercial training such as Leadership and Management and also Employability which supports those that are unemployed and looking to get back into work.


Evolve Academy

Evolve Academy is dedicated to providing first-class independent training in hairdressing and barbering across Greater Manchester.


The Training Brokers

The Training Brookers offer a range of courses to help you gain your confidence and progress towards a better future. Our courses include:

  • Health and Safety
  • Health and Social Care
  • Education sector
  • Personal development and Well Being
  • Counselling skills
  • Dignity and safeguarding in adult social care
  • Mental health awareness
  • Children and young people mental health
  • Dementia

Careers information and employability skills

Work Start

This is the place to jump start your career in the Northern Care Alliance.

Whether you need to find out more about work experience, pre-employment programmes, our Cadet T-Level scheme, opportunities to volunteer, our apprenticeship programme or becoming a career ambassador, the site provides visitors with a wealth of information and also links to other NHS wide sources that will help them to learn more about how to go about starting work in the health service.


Skills Toolkit: 'An Hour To Skill'

'An Hour To Skill' is a new campaign from the Department of Education (DfE) which aims to boost the nation's skills and job prospects. Learning can have a really positive benefit to our mental wellbeing and this campaign aims to promote learning as a way of keeping the mind healthy and active which is very important at this time.

The Skills Toolkit is an online platform giving access to more than 70 free, high-quality digital, numeracy and employability courses. By setting aside one hour a week for online learning, people can learn skills that employers are looking for, boost their job prospects and keep their mind active.


We Are Digital

Offer traineeships that include work preparation training, functional skills up to level 2 (if required) and a level 2 in digital marketing. Working with Prevista, this exciting programme includes work experience at a digital marketing agency.

This course is free of charge and if you are on benefits you can continue to claim them whilst on the programme, which lasts up to six months. 


Top tips if you have a remote interview

We are all living through extraordinary times that have brought major changes to our way of life. We are also having to adapt to new ways of working and recruiting. As a local authority we have a duty to ensure that we maintain essential services for the community we serve. Therefore, we are continuing our recruitment efforts into key areas, aided by technology.


National Careers Service

Find out about careers that might be right for you by taking one of our assessments.


YourGamePlan

YourGamePlan’s mission is to ensure that every student has the confidence and support they need to make the best decision about their future when they leave school.

They believe soft and employability skills are paramount and guidance on improving these skills should be available to everyone, for free. They don’t charge schools or students for their services.

Students can get help with many things like building a cv, career planning, assertiveness, learn how to deal with difficult people and situations, learn how to deal with conflict in the workplace and much more.

Schools can utilise their:

  • Free digital training for your students to gain employability and transferable skills.
  • Partnership courses with leading UK employers in key industries.
  • Giving your students the knowledge and clarity to make the right career choices for them.
  • All courses certified by the CPD.

Employers, Careers readiness starts early, and helping students build the skills and confidence to secure a meaningful career will create a lasting impression.

  • Build Confidence - Build brand affinity from an early stage
  • Learn About Careers - Educate student about careers in your industry
  • Gain Experience - Give them the confidence to apply for your jobs

Digital CVs

Bored of a traditional Word document CV? Then why not try a CV using slides on PowerPoint? You can cover each section that a traditional CV has such as profile, education, work history, hobbies and so on, but also include images.  For an example of a digital CV, email georgia.boland@salford.gov.uk


Example CV (Microsoft Word format, 33kb)

Need help creating a CV? An example of what you need to include can be downloaded. You should try to use a simple format, with text that is easy to read. Young people should try and keep it on one page where possible, and no more than two sides. Remember to think of all your strong qualities.


National Literacy Trust

Send in your CV to get feedback from industry experts

You will need:

  • Access to a phone, tablet or computer
  • An email address

What do you need to do?

  • Download our CV writing tips and templates and employability and skills checklist.
  • Use one of the templates to draft or update your CV.
  • Send your CV as a word document to wfw@literacytrust.org.uk
  • We'll pass it on to our industry experts who'll give you professional feedback!

ApprenticeTalks

A brand new @ApprenticeTalks (Twitter handle) podcast is now available. Register your interest for season two of the Apprenticeship Podcast. Made by young apprentices to educate, inform and give insight into what it’s really like to be an apprentice. If you haven’t caught up with season one you can listen to it on Spotify and other major streaming sites. 


Build Salford Traineeship

Build Salford is a traineeship programme that supports young people get into apprenticeships within the construction sector. Here is a case study from Richie, a former trainee that talks about how Build Salford helped him gain employment with The Casey Group and his ambitions for the future.

One of our employer partners, John from The Casey Group, talks about how Build Salford has helped him as a business to grow apprentices. Build Salford Case Study: John Walmsley. You can also apply online.


Catch 22

Catch22 delivers high quality tailored employability programmes and can support young people to fund interview clothes, equipment, fees for training courses and other costs associated with funding and securing work. 


Amazing Apprenticeships

Lots of resources and information if you want to become an apprentice. Also:

  • 50 Amazing Apprenticeships Support Activities
  • ASK Digital
  • Online Resources

Primary Engineer Highlights

Lots of useful resources including some brilliant online interviews coming up for parents and young people to take part in at home, where you can meet an engineer, learn about their role and ask questions, live.


Cyber First

Interested in all things digital and cyber? You’ll delve into how everyday technology really works; how information flows through networks; and how we can take sensible steps to protect our digital world.


Prince's Trust

Our Explore programme offers you a mix of group activities and one-to-one support to develop the skills and confidence you need to move forward.

Starting with a five-day Access course, you’ll get the chance to do outdoor adventurous activities, as well as take part in a residential trip.

Once the Access course is complete, you can choose from lots of different activities from sports to drama and photography to cooking.

We’ll work with you to help reach your goals.

Explore is completely free. We’ll even throw in lunch and drinks throughout the day, and also cover your travel expenses.


National Citizen Service

The traditional four week programme is being adapted to deliver skills-based content and social action digitally. A wider age range of young people (15 to 17) will be able to take advantage of this free offer with opportunities to impact local communities continuing once restrictions are relaxed.


The National Literacy Trust: Female Book Club

National Literacy Trust has launched a free audio book club: Behind the Cover, for female students who are 16 and over.

Behind the Cover will be celebrating books written by bestselling writers who put women at the heart of their stories.

Every month throughout the summer term and summer holidays, students will receive a free audiobook, access to exclusive author content and engaging book club activities.

Students will then be able to join discussions about the book on Instagram @ZoneIn_Skills, using the hashtag #BehindtheCoverClub and submit a book review and a selection will be published every month.


National Careers Service

Find a job that's right for you with advice on where to search, how to apply, CVs and interviews. You'll also get tips on how to find unadvertised vacancies by using your contacts.


GMACS

Create your own online action plan to kickstart your career. Explore options, review goals and adapt to reflect your progress.

This page was last updated on 6 September 2023

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