This City & Guilds funded pilot is designed to de-risk recruitment, helping London’s SMEs to scale by opening doors for the next generation of diverse young talent from disadvantaged backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring every small business in the capital has the support it needs to become a champion for social mobility.
The Programme
This programme bridges the divide between London’s untapped talent and its most vibrant small businesses. This programme will enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to provide routes to work for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, by creating pathways for early-career talent that do not rely on formal qualifications alone, investing in inclusive recruitment and workplace practices, recognising the value of potential, and greater collaboration between big and small employers to encourage the transfer of know-how and expertise.
Objectives
To enable SMEs to confidently recruit and support young people who are disengaged from the labour market.
To equip SMEs with tools, knowledge and confidence to be a more inclusive recruitment employer.
The project aims to create 25 opportunities for young Londoners by working with businesses that are prepared to welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Outcomes
25 SMEs open to offering quality entry-level roles for young people.
Improved confidence among SME Employers in recruitment practices.
Small/Medium Businesses
Many SMEs struggle with the cost, complexity, and risk of hiring young people. We are piloting a programme supported by City and Guilds that aims to break down these barriers.
Sign up for this fully funded programme and gain the confidence to make your next hire your best hire, focussing on diverse talent pools often overlooked by larger firms.
Stop Searching. Start Growing. Introducing the Bridging the Gap SME Programme.
Confused by new legislation? Want to hire but don’t know how? Can’t find good people? If these issues resonate with you join our new fully funded programme Bridging the Gap and access templates, professional guidance, and 1-to-1 mentorship to navigate recruitment and onboarding from day one.
Attract highly motivated, work-ready young people eager for a chance to prove their potential and commitment.
Sign up here to find out more (closes mid-February):
Key Benefits
Unlock growth & build your business capacity by securing a talent pipeline.
Never hired before? Get the tools and templates to ensure you get your first hire right.
Access talent you can't find on job boards.
Mentored SMEs report 18% higher profits.
1-to-1 business mentorship: Strategic guidance tailored to your growth goals.
Recruitment templates & tools: Essential legal and onboarding templates to save you time and money.
Champion social mobility: Connect with motivated young people ready for a work placement.
Limited Places! Secure your place at our workshop, running the last week of February 2026.
For the SME
Commitment to time: Attend the mandatory 3-hour workshop (last week of February) and allocate 2-4 hours per week for program tasks and mentoring during the active phase.
Openness to guidance: Be receptive to the mentor's strategic advice, especially regarding recruitment processes and onboarding best practices.
Resource application: To ensure a structured, positive experience.
Opportunity: Be more confident to be able to offer a defined, quality work placement.
Feedback: Provide constructive feedback on the mentor, the resources, and if placed, the young person's placement experience.
SME Sign Up
If you are an SME and are interested in signing up, click below to express your interest today!
Volunteer mentors
Are you ready to become a Volunteer Mentor?
Transform a small business and a young person's life in 2026 by sharing your expertise and champion the next generation of London SMEs. We are looking for experienced business professionals with a knowledge of HR and a passion for improving social mobility.
We provide the structure and templates; you provide the experience and guidance. Gain fresh perspectives and hone your leadership abilities by guiding a passionate SME owner through the process of finding diverse talent.
Sign up here to join our mentoring community today. We are looking for engaging volunteers, particularly those with expertise in social mobility and recruitment practices.
What you'll gain?
Leadership Development:
Enhance your coaching and communication skills.
Tangible Impact:
Watch an SME grow and a young person launch their career—the ultimate winner.
Networking:
Connect with fellow high-calibre professionals dedicated to social change.
Drop by and attend one of our online information sessions to find out more about how your valuable time can improve both a business and an individual's future.
Volunteers will receive training on social mobility, which will provide them with CPD (Continuing Professional Development) benefits and enhance their understanding of the program’s goals.
The training aims to ensure volunteers are equipped to support SMEs effectively while aligning with the program’s ethos.
For the Mentor
Time Dedication: Commit to the three mandatory 1-hour 1-to-1 virtual mentoring sessions with your assigned SME over the agreed schedule (8 weeks).
Active Listening: Listen to the SME's unique business context, challenges, and goals before offering relevant, tailored advice using the toolkit provided.
Focus on Structure: Guide the SME on how to use the program templates to formalise their recruitment and onboarding process, not doing the work for them.
Strategic Scope: Focus advice on the pre-hiring strategy (capacity, role definition, recruitment process) and early onboarding (expectations, goal setting).
Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the SME's business and financial information shared during sessions.
Mentor Sign Up
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor, click below to express your interest today!