Higher education provider launches trailblazing initiative to empower youth in Birmingham

The London School of Science and Technology (LSST) has launched its Youth Guarantee Trailblazer Initiative, a programme set to support 160 young people aged 18–21 from November 2025 to March 2026.

The programme will equip participants with the confidence, skills and connections needed to pursue meaningful employment, specialist training or further study.

The initiative, funded by Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Combined Authority, forms an integral part of LSST’s wider mission to promote inclusive opportunity and employability for young people.

It also aligns directly with the UK Government’s recently extended £45 million Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme.

LSST CEO Ali Jafar Zaidi said: “Birmingham’s young people have boundless potential and our Youth Guarantee Trailblazer ensures that potential is met with tangible opportunity.

“This ambitious initiative offers every participant a pathway to progress.”

Matt Garvey, LSST’s head of further education and business development, said: “It is a tremendous privilege for LSST to be part of the national roll-out of the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer initiative.

“With over 22 years of experience supporting learners and through our Bootcamp programmes in London, we have developed real expertise in helping adults move into work.

“The key to successfully supporting NEETs – particularly young adults – is high-quality, one-to-one support.

“Within this programme, each coach gets to know the learner personally and creates a bespoke plan to help them achieve positive outcomes.

“When this is combined with skills in negotiation, self-awareness, conflict management, and digital finance, we can make a real, lasting difference.”

“Through a structured programme of bespoke 1-1 support from a dedicated coach, mentorship, skills development and employer engagement – along with ILM Assured content – LSST will guide Trailblazer participants as they transition confidently from learning to earning.”

To apply for the programme, contact programme manager Foteini Meleti on [email protected] and Matt Garvey on [email protected]

Pictured from left to right:  Dr Wendy Wigley, head of student lifecycle & partnerships manager; Foteini Meleti, bootcamp programme manager; and Matt Garvey, head of further education and business development