Marvin OnumonuThrive, a new employability programme for young people in Nottingham, has received backing from Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward (pictured).
The programme is aimed at those aged 18 to 21 who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET).
The initiative is funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and delivered in partnership with Nottingham City Council, Youth Guarantee, Nottingham College, 4b’s, The Bestwood Partnership, Futures and Base 51.
The aim is to help young people gain confidence, build work and life skills, and move into further education, apprenticeships, or jobs.
Ward said: “Thrive is a powerful example of how we can work together to change lives.
“By investing in young people who are not currently in education, employment or training, we are opening doors to opportunity and giving them the tools to build brighter futures.
“This programme is about more than skills – it’s about confidence, resilience and belonging.”
The programme includes a six-week personal development course starting January 2026.
It offers support with CV writing, interview practice, employer engagement, and workplace tasters.
Young people will access sessions on stress management, problem-solving, digital art, music and gaming design, team-building tasks, healthy cooking and budgeting, and a community action project.
Ward added: “EMCCA is proud to support Thrive because it will help young people in Nottingham not only to take their next step into work or education, but to feel valued, supported and ready to contribute to the strength of our communities and the success of our region.”
The announcement follows the appointment of Nottingham College as the lead contractor for the region’s Youth Guarantee pilot project.
Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council, said: “Working with Nottingham College to deliver this grant truly reflects the Council’s commitment to inclusive growth and supporting young people to move towards employment, education or training at a local level.
“I’m delighted to see that the Thrive personal development programme is targeting some of our most deprived areas in the North and South of the city.
“Working with young people from these parts of Nottingham who are not currently in education, employment or training can only help the whole city grow, but also provides our future generations with bright prospects.”
Woodings added: “I look forward to seeing the positive effects this programme will have on our communities.”
Joshua Warwick, development worker at Nottingham College, said: “Thrive is more than a course, it’s a launchpad for young people to rediscover their potential.
“We’re excited to offer a programme that’s practical, creative and deeply supportive, helping these young people take meaningful steps towards their future.”
