Help Young People Into Work Through Training

Aim

Support young people in London into employment through hands-on automotive training, mentoring, and skills development.

Right now, nearly 1 million young people across the UK are not in education, employment, or training. That's not a statistic, it's a generation of potential sitting idle because the system hasn't given them a clear way in.
For many, the barriers aren't ability, they're access. No experience to point to. No qualification to open the door. No one steady in their corner while they figure out what comes next. For young people referred through probation services, youth offending teams, pupil referral units, or social workers, those barriers are even higher.

What we do

Gearing2Grow is a Community Interest Company taking people 16+ from their first spark of interest in the automotive industry all the way through to real, sustained employment.

Foundation (6 weeks): an introduction to the industry, employability skills, one-to-one mentoring, and a genuine first step, no experience required.

IMI Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3: structured, nationally recognised qualifications with the Institute of the Motor Industry, covering everything from EV awareness through to advanced fault diagnosis and repair.

Employment: placement or apprenticeship, including in our own garage where possible, with ongoing support until someone is genuinely, sustainably settled into work.

Why this works

Every stage is built around our learners

The qualifications are nationally recognised IMI awards. Every learner is mentored along the way, someone who checks in, notices when things are hard, and helps them keep going.

We built relationships with organisations who refer young people to us. We need help with funding to help us reach more young people. 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 21st October 2026 at 4:38pm