Wandsworth Youth Contract

The Youth Contract is a national initiative designed to support young people aged 16-17 (at the time of their enrolment) to find appropriate education, employment or training. The provision should meet their needs and the Youth Contract Officer/Mentor provides support while they are on their placement, whether it be a job, college or training course.

The Youth Contract is targeted at groups of young people considered to be low achievers or and those who are traditionally seen as hard to engage. Youth Contract requires that the participants  either have no more than one GCSE, or are involved with the Youth Offending Team or are In Care or Care Leavers.

Initially, the Youth Contract Officer/ Mentor will meet with the young person and work on their motivation. The next step is to help them to identify a career goal. Once that has been established  the officer will find various offers that could meet the need of the young person that they can choose from e.g. a training course, apprenticeship and a college course. While on a course the young person will be supported to sustain their placement. This will involve helping to keep the young people motivated but also involve advocating on their behalf and building relationships with college/training providers to ensure the young persons needs are being met and allowances made where necessary.