Skills for Success: Transforming Futures Through Skills, Confidence & Opportunity
- by @inc
- 26-11-2025
Skills for Success: Transforming Futures Through Skills, Confidence & Opportunity
A pioneering partnership between GLA Group and MENTA Business Support for Norfolk & Suffolk is already changing lives, as another cohort completes the Skills for Success programme—an initiative designed to upskill 18–24-year-olds who are furthest from the labour market.
The three-week course equips young adults with the qualifications, confidence and practical experience needed to access employment or explore self-employment opportunities. Developed to remove barriers, build resilience, and open new doors, Skills for Success combines hands-on training with personalised support and mentorship.
A Three-Week Journey of Growth
The programme covers three core areas:
- Labouring Training
- CSCS Preparation & Testing
- Self-Employment Workshops
GLA Group leads delivery of the labouring and CSCS training, providing industry-ready learning in manual handling, working at heights, ladder and asbestos awareness, and safe workplace task planning. These essential skills prepare participants for roles across construction, warehousing, logistics, agriculture, and other hands-on sectors.
The final week, delivered by MENTA, focuses on self-employment awareness, business start-up skills, and financial understanding—broadening career possibilities and encouraging entrepreneurial thinking.
A Participant’s Experience
For many learners, the course has proven life-changing. One participant shared:
“Achieving my CSCS card and completing my Level 1 in Understanding Enterprise has been a huge step forward for me. The level of engagement and support through the tutorship has been phenomenal. My confidence has grown massively, and I’ve learned how to construct myself mentally in ways that have been genuinely helpful.”
The blend of technical training, personal development and community support ensures every participant feels seen, supported, and encouraged.
“The networking opportunities, advice, and training in areas I’d never had access to before have been fantastic, and I feel I’ve been truly rewarded for the time and effort I’ve put into the programme. My time has not been wasted.”
The learner also praised programme leaders:
“A massive thank you to Mark, Alex, and Sally for all the help and the down-to-earth support they’ve given me. The honest, open encouragement – including the texts wishing me good luck – has meant a lot. It’s been eye-opening to realise that people genuinely care about my success.”
Opening Doors—and Minds
Skills for Success offers more than qualifications—it sparks confidence, motivation, and ambition.
“This programme has opened my eyes to different opportunities, different work environments, and how various spaces and industries operate. It’s been a life-changing experience, and I’m grateful for every part of it.”
A Model of Effective Collaboration
This innovative partnership between GLA Group and MENTA demonstrates the impact of targeted training, real-world skills, and supportive mentoring. By combining expertise, resources and shared commitment, the programme is helping young adults move closer to employment, independence, and a brighter future.