Pudsey-based Community Interest Company Building Futures Together (BFT) has been awarded £44,158.80 through the Healthy Working Life grant programme to help 30 economically inactive young people aged 16 to 24 develop construction skills and increase their prospects of securing work.

The programme, funded through West Yorkshire Combined Authority and led locally by Leeds City Council, will support young people with health conditions or disabilities that can create barriers to employment, including anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, visual impairments and epilepsy.

Until March 2027, participants will train at BFT’s new facility in Wortley, and will be required to attend for a minimum of 120 hours. The programme will be tailored to each learner's individual needs and experience.

A further £6,000 has also been provided to support six learners with additional digital inclusion support. This separate funding will cover the cost of laptops for the learners and show them how they can use modern technology to secure work.

Young people will work towards City & Guilds qualifications while gaining practical experience in plumbing, electrical and multi-trade activities. Alongside technical skills, the programme will help participants build confidence, communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

BFT’s qualified staff will provide regular wellbeing check-ins, one-to-one mentoring and personalised progression planning, helping learners identify barriers, set achievable goals and build resilience.

The programme is designed to help participants become work-ready. Alongside CV development, interview preparation and careers guidance, BFT will use its relationships with employers to identify opportunities for work experience, apprenticeships and employment.

John Thornton, managing director and co-founder of Building Futures Together, said: “Too many young people with health conditions or disabilities face barriers that can make the move into employment feel out of reach. Through this funding we can provide 30 young people with the practical skills, confidence and individual support they need to take their first or next step into employment.

“Drawing on our experience we will help them each develop valuable construction skills while also addressing some of the personal barriers that can stand between them and a job. Our aim is not simply to provide training, but to help each learner recognise their strengths, build confidence and see a realistic pathway into work.”

Dominique Burley, senior development worker and Healthy Working Life VCSE grant manager at Forum Central said: “Many young people today are facing significant challenges as we see rising mental health and physical health issues and fewer entry-level job opportunities. Building Futures Together is one of the grantholders, playing a large role in supporting young people with health conditions or disabilities, to move closer to the labour market, most importantly, utilising holistic support to not only help them find work, but to stay in work and be well."

This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire

Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, delivering the Mayor’s

vision for West Yorkshire to have the healthiest residents and workforce in England by 2040.

To find out more about BFT visit https://buildingfuturestogether.me/ and to apply to the programme, please email office@buildingfuturestogether.me or call 0345 609 0334.