“I wish we could have ThinkForward in every school in Nottingham. They offer a really unique combination of long-term support to students by enabling them to have better and more successful experiences at school and crucially get experience of the world of work. ThinkForward has made a big impact and I’m looking forward to seeing more of our young people have brighter futures thanks to their work.”

"ThinkForward has helped me a lot. I used to get in trouble at school, but my coach helped me see right from wrong. He explained the different options for my next steps like apprenticeships, sixth form, college. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be in college. If I have any problems, I can call my coach any time and he’ll pick up, he’s always there. Everyone’s seen a change in me and it makes me really happy."

"Before I started the programme I wasn’t confident. Now my confidence has grown so much with my coach’s help. I have learned to be independent and speak up more. All my work experience has helped me get my job now, which is working as a cleaner in a school and I am really enjoying it. Every single day I go there I’ve always got a smile on my face, I’m always keen to work. I’m having my own money come in and I'm saving up to buy a house. If I didn’t have Coach Kerry I think I’d still be stuck in college without a job.”

The programme helped me to manage my behaviour a lot and create things that would help towards my future, like a CV that I am proud of. It’s made me the mature young man that I am now. I wasn’t really focused on my future until he came into the picture. Going to other businesses and meeting Black mentors was inspirational to me because I was able to see people who look like me, dress like me and have hair like me. I saw them in higher places and it was a surreal feeling.”