Training and Employment
Training and Employment support for school leavers
WOW! (Wellbeing Onto Work) Project
A 10-week project for young people aged 16 to 24 years old in South West Edinburgh. The project supports young people to build confidence, independence, and resilience while developing life and work skills.
Over the course of 10 weeks, participants take part in engaging activities and group sessions in supportive community settings such as The Broomhouse Hub, Edinburgh Zoo, and Edinburgh International Festival. Through connection, learning, and fun, WOW! helps young people prepare for education, employment, or volunteering, while also encouraging positive choices and active participation in their communities. Sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at alternate venues.
For more information visit or email wow@spacescot.org
Enable Works
Next Steps Programme
A 10-week next steps programme for young people aged 16 to 24 years, to receive support in CV writing, an accredited qualification, apply for jobs or further training, gain skills to help you manage your money, gain confidence in talking with employers and gain an understanding of alcohol awareness.
For more information visit or contact
07513 137 930
Granton Youth - Volunteering opportunities and linked learning
Young people are supported to become volunteers with the opportunity to link their skills to gain accreditation through the Youth Achievement Awards.
For more information contact shelley@grantonyouth.com
Nobody Left Behind (NOLB) – Employability
Aimed at those aged from 15 to 19 years, but up to age 26 in some circumstances. Dedicated staff will work with you to agree a bespoke package of activities to encourage and support you in taking the next step towards a positive destination, for example, a college course, training or employment.
Alongside this, there is support for your family so they can understand how they can help you progress through the employability stages and sustain any moves into work, education or further training.
Supports are organised based on where you live and/or the high school you attended.
- if you live near or attended Craigroyston Community, Queensferry or The Royal High Secondary Schools, contact Barnardos, email rhianna.wright@barnardos.org.uk
- if you live near or attended Boroughmuir, James Gillespie's, St Thomas of Aquin's RC, Tynecastle, Gorgie Mills, Craigmount, Forresters or St Augustine's RC High Schools, contact Access to Industry, email adelehill@accesstoindustry.co.uk
- if you live near or attended Broughton, Drummond Community, Leith Academy, Pilrig Park or Trinity Academy High schools, contact Citadel, email Claire@citadelyouthcentre.org.uk
- if you live near or attended Castlebrae, Holy Rood RC or Portobello High Schools, contact Cyrenians, email KirstyBremner@cyrenians.scot
- if you live near or attended Liberton, Gracemount or Kaimes High Schools, contact Wheatley Foundation, email gavin.edmonds@wheatley-group.com
- if you live near or attended Balerno Community, Currie Community, Firrhill, Wester Hailes or Woodlands High schools, contact Triage, email alma.donaldson@triage.net
For more information about Nobody Left Behind Stage 1 service projects visit the .
Apprenticeships, Training and Jobs
If you are a young person, the Edinburgh Guarantee can signpost you to services to help you move into apprenticeships, jobs and opportunities. Whether you are looking for a job, training or further education, there are organisations in Edinburgh to support you.
We are working with partners to support you in taking your next step. We can help you build employability skills, access information to set up your own enterprise and find vacancies on our jobs board.
For more information visit the
Volunteering in Sports and Activities
Active Schools’ mission is to get children and secondary pupils active more often. Being active improves the Health and Wellbeing of people of all ages.
Active schools help children access active opportunities that support them to have fun, get active and spend time with other children and young people.
You can volunteer with active schools and volunteering is a great opportunity to build your skills and get experience working with children and in sports activities.
Watch the film below to find out more about active schools and the benefits of volunteering with them.
Head 2 Work
The Head 2 Work is a programme offered to young people aged 16 to 24 years for two days a week over eight weeks. They provide support to take part in fun and creative activities, to achieve awards, improve mental, physical and financial wellbeing, build key skills for employment such as writing CVs and interview preparation.
For more information contact
Rachel.nanson@barnardos.org.uk
07516 587 310
Barnardo’s Best Programme
Providing support to young people aged 15 to 29 years if they are preparing to leave school or if they are not in employment or education currently. Offering one-to-one support, volunteering opportunities, personal development opportunities, employment and college tasters, qualifications, building confidence and more.
For more information contact
Rachel.nanson@barnardos.org.uk
07516 587 310