Targeted at 14- to 18-year-olds (SEND 25 years)
Overview
The TARGET Youth Train 2 Employ programme is designed for young people who have a hobby, talent, or skill they’re passionate about—and who are eager to share it with others. This dynamic 8-week programme equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to turn their interests into real-world opportunities.
Throughout the programme, young people receive essential training in safeguarding, health & safety, and first aid. They also learn how to design and plan a pilot project—including budgeting for resources, assessing risks, and ensuring viability.
As the course progresses, participants will also explore branding and marketing using Canva, gaining hands-on experience in logo design and promotional strategies.
Beyond technical skills, the programme fosters personal growth, resilience, and leadership—laying a strong foundation for positive transitions into adulthood, further education, or employment.
The ultimate goal? For each young person to confidently deliver their own pilot project, using the skills they’ve gained to inspire and empower others.
TARGET NEL Youth Train 2 Employ
Turn your passion into a project! Do you have a hobby, skill, or talent you’d love to share with others? Join our 8-week programme designed to help young people like you develop real-world skills and bring your ideas to life!
What you will learn:
By the end of the programme, you’ll have:
The Planet Protectors
Planet Protectors is a fun, inclusive environmental education and wellbeing programme for children and young people. Through hands-on, nature-based activities, participants learn how to care for the environment, their community, and their own wellbeing. The programme explores themes such as recycling, wildlife, water conservation, energy saving, and sustainable living, while also supporting teamwork, confidence, emotional regulation, and physical activity.
Activities are designed to be accessible to all abilities and learning styles and are often delivered outdoors to promote connection with nature, curiosity, and positive mental health.
Feedback on The Planet Protectors
“I think planet protectors is a great idea, because it brings young people together and helps them find a sense of achievement in the community and also helps the planet too.”
“I think it is a brilliant idea and would definitely work for the younger kids with a good incentive for older kids to get involved.”
“I think it's a good idea because it gets everyone looking forward to getting the new badge and it also makes us all feel excited to clean and help protect the earth.”
“This is a great idea as all kids love to earn badges and have a goal to work towards.”
“This is a good idea as it is teaching kids to care for the environment.”
“Planet protectors is an amazing project that encourages the young generation to understand how important it is to look after our planet, to learn skills through play & activities and to build a community that understands and appreciates the world around us. What Joanne and TARGET NEL CIC have achieved is phenomenal. Herself and her team show dedication, love & commitment to guide and teach. The enjoyment that the children show is heartwarming, proving that TARGET NEL CIC is outstanding and is vital for our community in raising awareness around global matters. I’m so very proud of you, Joanne, and your team. <3”
“I think the planet protector journey is a concept that is much needed for the children of Grimsby. I know my own child, who is under assessment for autism, will thrive in an environment which is not classroom based, with exciting activities related to the world. The achievement aspect will encourage him to succeed, see his progress and give a feeling of pride. The fact they get a badge upon completion will really push him to complete the tasks and give him something physical to hold so he can recognise he has achieved something - certificates or ‘bits of paper’, as he calls them, don’t mean anything to him. I think looking at the tasks seems like they could suit all abilities and my other children will benefit from seeing science they have learnt in the classroom applied in the real world. As well as making new friends and having fun.”
“Yes, I think it is a good idea for children to get involved with Planet Protectors. For one thing, the more people on board the better. Also, the state of our planet is abysmal. People need to stop being selfish and think of environmentally safe ways to do things.”
“I feel it’s a good idea because it teaches our children the importance of looking after our planet, from recycling rubbish, litter picking, to looking at our plants, forests + gardens and sea life. And what kills our nature and insects. The t-shirts, pin badge, hat helps them to feel they are doing an important job, listening to and showing their achievements.”
Holiday Activities & Food
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a government initiative aimed at providing healthy meals and enriching activities to children from low-income families during school holidays.
At TARGET NEL each of our HAF sessions incorporates outdoor and hands-on activities, such as nature walks, gardening, exploration challenges, and active games, supporting physical development, teamwork, and wellbeing. All activities are age-appropriate, inclusive, and risk-assessed, with staff providing adaptations, buddying, or additional support so children with SEND or vulnerabilities can participate fully.
During our sessions we provide nutritious lunches. Children are encouraged to explore new foods and build their own meal from a selection of hot and cold options. Choices may include items such as cheese, pasta, tuna, fresh fruit, vegetables, and more. Refreshments will be available, including orange/ blackcurrant squash or water.
