08:30, 15 July 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Today is Youth Skills Day and what better way to celebrate than by finding out what you can do to develop your skills. For many young people today, getting professional experience or boosting your skills is hard and can seem almost impossible.
Well, if you don’t know where to start, thankfully there are some charities that focus their efforts on building up the calibre of youth learning across the UK:
One of the best known charities due to King Charles’ commitment to the next generation, this charity supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing access to educational resources, mentoring, and career advice. Their programmes aim to equip young people with the practical skills and confidence they need to thrive in a competitive world. With a strong emphasis on self-belief and perseverance, The King’s Trust offers invaluable support to help individuals realise their potential.
Career Ready is committed to helping young people prepare for the workplace by bridging the gap between education and employment. They offer a structured programme that connects students with employers through mentoring, internships, and skills workshops. By giving young people real-world experiences and insights into the professional world, Career Ready helps them develop both soft and technical skills necessary for a successful career.
Inspired by the legacy of her late son Jamal Edwards MBE, Brenda Edwards founded the JE Self Belief Trust which empowers young individuals, particularly those from underprivileged areas, to recognise and develop their potential. The charity’s core mission is to instil self-confidence and resilience through a variety of personal development workshops and mentoring schemes. By building self-belief and offering practical tools for success, the Trust helps young people navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Read more about our Positive Icon Jamal Edwards here.
This one is for the creatives as the Roundhouse Trust supports creative young people, particularly those aged 11-25, by offering skills development in the arts, media, and performance. They provide free workshops, mentoring, and access to a wide range of creative industries. This charity encourages young people to express themselves, build new skills, and develop a sense of purpose through creativity, all while preparing them for future careers in the creative sector.
Young Enterprise helps young people gain essential business and entrepreneurial skills by providing practical, hands-on experiences. Through programmes like Company Programme, students run their own businesses, allowing them to understand finance, marketing, and product development. With a strong focus on developing leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills, Young Enterprise ensures that young people are prepared for both business and life beyond the classroom.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Shaw Trust. This charity champions fairness, challenges inequality and breaks down barriers to help people achieve their full potential. Support them here.
Hungry. Run by nonprofit Share Our Strength, this initiative aims to end childhood hunger in the U.S. through better nutrition and food education. Find out more.
Native American Rights Fund. This nonprofit is dedicated to defending and advancing the rights of Native American tribes and individuals through legal representation and advocacy. Learn more here.
This article aligns with the UN Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities.
