We’re pleased to announce that we will soon be scaling up our DevelopMentor programme to be available across England, supported by funding from Youth Futures Foundation. This will enable us to train the line managers of more young apprentices - particularly significant at a time of rising NEET rates and a growing focus on the role of good-quality work.
DevelopMentor trains line managers of young apprentices working in SMEs, with the aim of improving apprentices’ progression outcomes – such as increasing confidence, new responsibilities or pay increases - by strengthening the quality of line management they receive.
Following four years of development and delivery in London, funded by Trust for London (2022–2026) and Youth Futures Foundation (2022–2024), this expansion will scale delivery across England, offering training for 350 small and medium sized businesses.
Nishi Mayor, Director Employer Engagement & Partnerships, Youth Futures Foundation, said:
“Evidence in our Youth Employment Toolkit shows that apprenticeships can improve young people’s employment prospects. However, we know that too many still face barriers to accessing and sustaining high-quality opportunities.
The role of the line manager is critical in shaping those outcomes, which is why we’re delighted to be working with Workwhile to expand DevelopMentor and strengthen the support young apprentices receive.”
Anna Ambrose, Chief Executive Officer of Workwhile, said:
“Everything we know suggests that line managers play a critical role in shaping young apprentices’ experiences at work - especially for those who have faced the greatest barriers getting there.
At a time when policymakers and employers are rightly focused on improving outcomes for young people, we’re excited to expand this successful programme which has the potential to make a meaningful difference at scale.”
DevelopMentor consists of four facilitated group training sessions for line managers, followed by two one-to-one coaching sessions, all delivered remotely. The programme has been designed specifically for busy managers in SMEs, many of whom are in frontline roles themselves.
Places are available for SMEs to access training from September 2026 to May 2027, with recruitment opening this summer.
We are now inviting SMEs across England to take part.
To express interest, or to share this opportunity with your network, please click here.