Education, Employment and Training Mentor

Organisation: 4YP UK
Location: Community venues across Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire, with home-based administration and digital delivery where appropriate
Contract: Fixed Term (Autumn 2026 to Summer 2027, subject to continued funding)
Hours: Up to 10.5 hours per week, plus the potential for 3 hours per fortnight supporting Youth Club sessions in the evening. Additional hours may become available as referrals and funding increase.
Salary: £27,000 FTE (£14.84 per hour plus 12.07% holiday allowance)
Travel: Access to own vehicle essential. Business Mileage Paid

About the Role

4YP UK is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Education, Employment and Training Mentor to support young people aged 15 to 18 who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), or who are at risk of becoming disengaged.

Working across Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire, you will provide one-to-one mentoring, practical employability support and guidance to help young people overcome barriers, build confidence and progress towards positive futures in education, employment, training, volunteering or self-employment.

Support will be delivered in schools, community venues and online, depending on the needs of individual young people.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of young people, providing tailored, person-centred support.
Develop progression plans and help young people achieve realistic goals.
Deliver employability support, including CV writing, job applications and interview preparation.
Provide information and guidance on education, training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
Build young people’s confidence, motivation and resilience through a strengths-based approach.
Support young people with transitions into education, training and employment.
Work closely with schools, colleges, employers and partner organisations.
Facilitate small group workshops and engagement activities.
Maintain accurate records, monitor outcomes and contribute to reporting requirements.
Support Youth Club activities where required, helping young people develop confidence, skills and positive relationships.

Essential Requirements

We are looking for someone who has:

Experience supporting vulnerable or disengaged young people.
Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
A non-judgemental, young person-centred approach.
Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently.
Knowledge of post-16 education, training and employment pathways.
Experience of partnership working with professionals and external agencies.
Strong digital and administrative skills.
A commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
The ability and willingness to travel across Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.

Desirable

Qualification in Careers Information, Advice and Guidance, Youth Work, Coaching or Mentoring (Level 4 or above).
Experience of NEET prevention or transition support.
Experience working with young people with SEND, mental health needs or complex circumstances.
Experience delivering group work or employability workshops.
Training in safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, motivational interviewing or mental health awareness.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will help young people:

Increase their confidence, motivation and employability skills.
Develop and achieve progression goals.
Move into and sustain positive destinations in education, employment, training, volunteering or self-employment.

Safeguarding

4YP UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to safer recruitment procedures, including satisfactory references, right to work checks and an Enhanced DBS check with barred list check.