NextGen Continues! Growing Opportunities for Young People to Explore the World of Work

Following the successful pilot of NextGen, PIE’s supported work experience programme, we’re delighted to be continuing the programme through the autumn and into 2027.

NextGen gives young people the chance to explore different jobs and workplaces, try practical experiences linked to their interests and build skills, confidence and real-world experience.

It may be particularly helpful for young people who feel unsure about what they would like to do next, have had little or no access to work experience, or would benefit from some extra support to take their first steps towards work.

The programme will offer:

• short work experience tasters and workplace visits

• practical projects with local organisations

• opportunities to help plan and deliver real events

• networking with local employers and professionals

• one-to-one support from a friendly Youth Mentor

  
  

Young people will be able to try a range of different opportunities and get a better sense of the kinds of work that might suit them. They will practise real workplace skills and gain useful experiences and examples they can include on their CV and talk about in applications or interviews.

They will also have the chance to meet local employers, professionals and organisations. These connections can help young people learn more about different routes into work, ask questions in a relaxed setting and start building a network of people who may be able to offer advice, encouragement or future opportunities.

Throughout the programme, participants will be supported by our dedicated NextGen Youth Mentor. They will take time to understand each young person’s strengths, interests and goals, help them prepare for each opportunity and support them to recognise the skills they are developing and how to describe them on their CV.

NextGen is open to young people aged 16+ in Stockport who are not currently in education, employment or training, may be at risk of becoming so, or are care experienced.

How to get involved:

Activities will begin in September, and we will continue welcoming young people onto the programme throughout the autumn.

Young people, parents, carers and professionals supporting them can complete the short expression-of-interest form here.

If your organisation supports young people who could benefit from NextGen, we would love to hear from you. We can provide more information, speak to your team or discuss how you can refer or signpost young people to the programme.

Please contact shelley@pieuk.org to find out more.