Shaw Trust: Supporting Young People Into Education, Employment and Training

Shaw Trust was represented by Marj Wright and Louise Troy who came with a simple offer: if you know a young person who is NEET or at risk of becoming NEET Shaw Trust is here to help.

Shaw Trust is a national charity that supports young people with careers information, advice, guidance, and practical help. Many will remember their previous name: Connexions.

But their work has evolved, and their reach across Northamptonshire is wider than many realise.

Who They Work With

Shaw Trust works with young people aged 16 to 18 and up to 25 if they have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Some advisors are based in schools, delivering services that schools pay for. But Marj and Louise work in the community, with young people who have already left education or are at risk of falling out of it.

“It could be young people involved with YOSS, young offenders, looked after children, those suffering from anxiety, those who’ve just dropped out of school,” Marj explained.

The common thread? They are NEET Not in Education, Employment or Training, or at serious risk of becoming so.

Community Drop-Ins Across the County

Shaw Trust runs community drop-ins across Northamptonshire. Not just in Northampton, but in Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough and Daventry.

“If you do have anyone or know of anyone who is not in education or training, you can refer them to us,” Marj said.

They also work with schools to identify young people at risk before they fall through the gap, particularly those leaving Year 11 without a clear plan for September.

“If they haven’t made a decision, they’ll come to us, because they’re the ones at risk of becoming NEET.”

The Creative Careers Project

Louise brought a story that connected directly to the room’s purpose.

She had noticed something about the young people on her caseload.

“A lot were interested in having a creative career. But they didn’t know where to start. A lot hadn’t actually been to creative venues in Northamptonshire. They didn’t always feel welcome. It felt like a lot of the venues were a little bit elitist.”

So she decided to do something about it.

She networked with five venues across the county: the Performing Rooms, the Royal and Derngate, Bernd Street Studio, and the Umbrella Fair. She brought in creative professionals who were already working. She secured funding from Northampton Council.

The result was a Creative Week where young people could explore every genre of creativity poetry, makeup, hairstyling, singing, art.

“Just by dipping their toe in the water, they gained transferable skills. They developed confidence. And every single young person who took part went on into a progression.”

Every single one.

Why Networking Matters

Louise was clear about why she was in the room.

“Just being here today is a major opportunity to network and to change the lives of young people in Northamptonshire. There is such a need for more events like this where we can come together.”

Her message to other organisations was simple: collaborate. Connect. Refer.

Because the young people are out there. They want creative careers. They just don’t know where the door is, or that they’re allowed to knock.

Get Involved

Shaw Trust is actively seeking referrals and partnerships. If you work with a young person who is NEET or at risk, or if your organisation wants to offer opportunities to the young people on their caseload, they want to hear from you.

Drop-ins run across the county. Leaflets are available. And as Marj said:

“If you want to have a chat with us after, feel free.”

Shaw Trust provides careers advice, guidance and support for young people aged 16–18 (up to 25 with an EHCP) across Northamptonshire. They run community drop-ins and are actively seeking creative industry partners to help young people find pathways into music, media and the arts.