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Finished school and not sure what comes next?

Everyone's next step looks different; but there is support available to help you decide what yours might be.

You might be ready to start work or training now, or you might want to build your confidence, gain some experience or explore your options first.

There are opportunities available across North Lanarkshire to help you take the next step. If you aren't sure what's right for you, someone can help.

Help me find my next step

What would you like help with?

Virtually Unstoppable

Best for:
Young people who want to build confidence and employability skills before moving into work, training or further education.

What you’ll get:
Support with personal development, understanding your skills and qualities, goal setting, teamwork and employability skills.

Time commitment:
Six-week online programme delivered through Microsoft Teams.

When?
Starts week of 28 September.

Interested?
Complete the form

Autumn Paid Placements

Best for:
Recent school leavers who aren’t currently in work, education or training and want to earn while gaining workplace experience.

What you’ll get:
Paid work experience, workplace skills, increased confidence and useful experience for your CV. Opportunities include construction and other placements based on interests and ambitions.

Time commitment:
Up to five weeks, with a maximum of 15 hours per week over three days.

When?
Starts week of 28 September.

Interested?
Complete the form

Construction Community Partnership Programme

Best for:
Young people interested in getting practical experience and exploring a career in construction.

What you’ll get:
Work experience with construction employers, live site visits, REHIS Health and Safety training, CSCS training, PPE, CV and interview support, plus a certificate of completion.

A £30 weekly training allowance is available subject to attendance.

Time commitment:
Four introductory Friday sessions followed by three days of work experience with local construction employers.

When?
Starts 2 October.

Interested?
Complete the form

FutureBuilds: Retrofit & Low Carbon Construction

Best for:
Young people interested in practical construction, sustainability, retrofit and future green careers.

What you’ll get:
Hands-on experience covering retrofit construction skills, modern methods of construction, external wall insulation, health and safety and career opportunities in the sector.

Transport is provided to the training centres.

Time commitment:
Five-day practical training programme.

When?
Runs from 5–9 October, with an information and registration day during the week of 28 September.

Interested?
Complete the form

Supported Volunteering

Best for:
Young people who want to build confidence and experience in a supportive environment before taking their next step.

What you’ll get:
A flexible volunteering opportunity matched to your interests, the time you can commit and the support you need. You can develop practical experience and employability skills while contributing to your community.

Time commitment:
Flexible and tailored to you.

When?
Available throughout the year.

Interested?
Complete the form

No One Left Behind

Best for:
Young people who want personalised support, training or practical experience to help them move towards employment.

What you’ll get:
A choice of programmes covering areas including construction, sport, outdoor learning, creative industries and childcare. Opportunities can include skills, experience, qualifications and, in some cases, a training allowance.

Time commitment:
Varies depending on the programme.

When?
Programmes are available from September and October, with others starting throughout the year.

Interested?
Complete the form

Social Enterprise Academy Programme

Best for:
Young people interested in business, entrepreneurship, teamwork, leadership and developing their own ideas.

What you’ll get:
The chance to develop a social enterprise idea while learning about budgeting, marketing, pricing and money management. You’ll also build confidence, teamwork, leadership and presentation skills.

Time commitment:
Five interactive online sessions, with an optional face-to-face final event.

When?
Starts week of 28 September.

Interested?
Complete the form

Forth Valley College Online Courses

Best for:
Young people who want to develop new skills, explore a subject or work towards future career goals at their own pace.

What you’ll get:
Fully funded online learning across subjects including art and design, business, care, computing, construction, engineering, hair and beauty, languages, sport, sciences, supported learning and travel and tourism.

Time commitment:
Flexible online learning completed at your own pace.

When?
Available to start throughout the year.

Interested?
Complete the form

The Skills Network

Best for:
Young people who want to gain recognised qualifications and develop skills for work or further study.

What you’ll get:
Free online courses covering areas such as mental health awareness, business administration, customer service, digital skills, health and social care and team leading and management.

Time commitment:
Flexible online learning completed at your own pace.

When?
Available to start throughout the year.

Interested?
Complete the form

Animation Academy

Best for:
Young people aged 16–25 who are interested in animation, visual storytelling or careers in film and creative industries.

What you’ll get:
Hands-on filmmaking and animation workshops, experience working with professional animators and filmmakers, support to build a digital portfolio and the chance to gain an Arts Award qualification.

You’ll also explore areas such as model making, animation techniques, sound design and storytelling.

Time commitment:
Online programme delivered across the programme period. The booklet does not specify the number of hours or sessions per week.

When?
The programme runs from 10 October to 16 December.

Interested?
Complete the form

Not sure which option is right for you?

That's completely fine.

Complete our short form and someone can get in touch to talk about your interests, goals and what kind of support would suit you.

Ask us for help

Page last updated:
03 Sep 2026

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