UK Youth has announced the continuation of its partnership with Intact Insurance to deliver the Building Aspirations programme for a further two years, providing critical youth work-led support for young people furthest from the labour market.
Since its launch, the programme has expanded its reach year-on-year, initially launched in Manchester and Liverpool it expanded to Halifax and Leeds in Year 2, and will be delivered in London for the first time in 2026, enabling an additional 360 young people to access support in communities that need it most.
The renewed commitment comes at a time when youth unemployment remains persistently high, with around 1 in 8 young people aged 16–24 not in education, employment or training (Office for National Statistics). For many young people, barriers such as low confidence, limited networks, financial insecurity and lack of access to tailored support from a trusted adult continue to restrict opportunity.
Through Building Aspirations, UK Youth is partnering with Intact Insurance to tackle these challenges head-on. Over the past two years, the programme – delivered in collaboration with local youth organisations – has directly supported more than 350 young people. The majority of whom were not in education, employment or training and living in some of the most disadvantaged communities in England. Through youth work-led support, employer engagement and targeted financial scholarships, Building Aspirations helps young people build confidence, develop employability skills and take meaningful steps into work, education and training.
Since the start of the partnership’s programme:
- 378 young people enrolled in the programme
- 332 young people completed the programme
- Delivery took place across six youth organisations in the UK
- 93 scholarships were awarded, helping young people progress into education, training and employment
By the end of the second year of the programme, young people reported significant improvements in confidence and career aspirations:
- 85% felt positive about their future at work
- 78% knew what type of job might suit them
- 76% said they had high ambitions for their future
Colleagues from Intact Insurance play a central role as Local Leads, providing direct support to the delivery partners, leveraging their own experience, skills and networks to help youth workers make connections and co-ordinate local activity. Intact Insurance volunteers also run employability workshops, provide mentoring, insight sessions and scholarship panels, helping young people build confidence and gain real insight into the world of work.
The partnership has also led to direct employment opportunities. Four young people have been offered paid work experience with Intact Insurance, and three have since secured ongoing employment with the company over the past two years.
Building confidence and opportunity
For many participants, the programme provides practical skills while also nurturing the self-belief needed to pursue their ambitions.
Somat, a participant supported by delivery partner YABCA, said:
“I feel much more optimistic about my future; the programme modules gave me interview skills and taught me how to talk to people. The bursary has also helped me start my perfume business.”
Another participant, Hana, who is living with anxiety and PTSD, described how the programme helped them reflect on their strengths and future direction.
“It felt good knowing I’m not the only one who struggles with perfectionism. The programme helped me realise there are things I can work on. The Ikigai activity* really helped me understand what kind of career might suit me – something hands-on, creative and active.”
Supporting young people into employment
Building Aspirations supports young people aged 18–24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), or at risk of becoming so. Through a structured youth work curriculum, participants explore their strengths, develop communication and interview skills, learn money management and goal setting, and apply for scholarships to support their next steps.
A key element of the programme is Building Connections events, where young people meet employers, gain career insights and build professional networks.
Alongside the programme, Intact Insurance has commissioned UK Youth to undertake research that will develop the evidence base for greater investment in youth work, exploring how youth organisations help young people build confidence, skills and aspirations, while enabling businesses to support thriving communities, develop and connect with future talent and create lasting social impact.
Vicky Chenery, Director of Fundraising, UK Youth, said:
“At a time when youth unemployment remains stubbornly high and too many young people feel locked out of opportunity, partnerships like this are more important than ever.
“Building Aspirations shows the power of youth work to unlock potential — equipping young people with the confidence, skills and belief they need to build meaningful careers. We are proud to continue working with Intact Insurance to ensure even more young people can access this support.”
Sarah Mantle-Gray, Chief Human Resources Officer at Intact Insurance, said:
“Resilient communities are built when young people have the confidence and support to take their next step into work, education or training. Through Building Aspirations, we’re helping talent flourish, strengthening local economies and giving young people the tools to thrive—wherever they live.
“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with UK Youth, investing in youth-work and empowering young people with real-world skills to achieve their potential.”
By continuing to invest in youth work–led employability support, UK Youth and Intact Insurance are responding directly to the youth employment challenge – ensuring young people are not just supported into work but empowered to build sustainable and fulfilling careers.
About UK Youth
UK Youth is a leading youth work and outdoor learning charity with a vision that all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. With an open network of more than 9,000 youth organisations and nation partners; UK Youth reaches more than four million young people across the UK and is focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever. To find out more, visit: https://www.ukyouth.org
About Intact Insurance
Intact Insurance is a leading provider of Commercial and Specialty insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes across the UK and Ireland and through its Global Network in over 150 countries worldwide. Formerly known as RSA Insurance, Intact Insurance is part of Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC), the largest provider of Property and Casualty insurance in Canada and a leading Specialty lines insurer with international expertise. At Intact, our purpose is clear – to help people, businesses and society prosper in good times and be resilient in bad times. For more information visit intactinsurance.co.uk.
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