In-work support grant
Applications open: 28th August 2025
Applications close: 19th September 2025
About this grant
This grant is for organisations who can support progression into work for Trailblazer participants with additional needs who are aged 17 to 21 who are about to enter paid work part or full time.
Participants may require one-to-one in-work support, to gain confidence and learn new skills in the workplace. They may be progressing from other Trailblazer activity or have been supported by the council and other local services.
It is part of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer national programme, designed to support young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) into employment.
The funding allocated to this strand is designed to engage and support young people across all Liverpool neighbourhood areas.
Who can apply?
Any organisation that is able to deliver the required service, within the required delivery timescales of October 2025 to 31st March 2026, can apply.
We invite local delivery organisations with relevant skills and experience to provide a programme of in-work support for identified young people with additional needs. There will be close working with other Trailblazer providers and council services.
This programme must:
- provide person-centred, on-the-job coaching and mentoring.
- build young people's confidence, communication, independence, and work-related skills
- support employers to make reasonable adjustments and provide inclusive work environments
- provide transition support at the end of a placement or if a job move occurs
- liaise with SEND case officers, schools, colleges, parents, carers, Supported Internship providers, and other professionals
- attend EHCP reviews where relevant to update on progress and outcomes.
Delivery organisations must demonstrate experience working with young people with SEND and supported employment models e.g. Place and Train, IPS, BASE standards.
Work coaches should ideally hold or be working toward Level 3 Certificate in Supported Employment, or equivalent.
Working closely with us and the other Trailblazer providers is essential to support and progress these young people as part of a whole system. The delivery organisations will support specific young people who will be identified as a priority by our teams.
How much money is being awarded?
£110,000 is available for one successful delivery organisation.
This is the maximum allocation, and delivery organisations who respond to this service offer must confirm they can meet the needs of this service within this budget and timelines aligning to all the outcomes within the contract.
The outcomes each organisation must deliver during the programme are:
- 50 young people aged 18–21, with additional needs, are supported in paid employment.
How to apply
Please complete the request for an application pack form below, indicating which grants you are interested in applying for. We will then email the full application pack to you.
Applications must be submitted closing date 12 noon on 19th September 2025.
Request an application pack now
Further information
Please email youthtrailblazer@liverpool.gov.uk for further information.