Trailblazers believes that meaningful opportunities for mentees to achieve their full potential is vital. Therefore, Trailblazers is delighted to have strategically partnered with National Grid to be involved in their “Grid for Good” programme. The pilot programme with Trailblazers will offer support to young men aged between 18-25 who have been released from prison, many of whom come from a disadvantaged background and have barriers to employment because of their offending history.

National Grid lies at the heart of transforming energy systems in the UK. It drives change through engineering innovation, and by incubating new ideas with the power to revolutionise the energy industry with an array of major suppliers like Siemens, EDF and more. National Grid believes making a positive impact in the work they do is essential for customers and their community. By means of this it believes in empowering young people to become the problem solvers of tomorrow, supporting their ongoing development and wellbeing. National Grid holds that encouraging inclusion and diversity will inspire every young person to achieve their full potential.

Due to COVID-19 the labour market has gradually declined during the pandemic. In preparation for the employment boom envisaged post-COVID, mutually; Grid for Good and Trailblazers will be supporting three young men from the Wandsworth Project and three young men from the Brinsford Project. Together we will offer bespoke 1-1 intensive sessions with an experienced employer/mentor provided through Grid for Good who can offer advice about ‘getting work ready’ and finding a suitable career that is of interest to the mentee from apprenticeship to graduate level.

Furthermore, the mentees will benefit from insight talks from experienced staff as well as hearing about the exciting job opportunities that will be on offer. We hope this is just the start of a successful partnership with Grid for Good and we look forward to developing ways we can work together.