Young People Showcase Confidence and Skills During Visit to Bolton Youth Enterprise Hub
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Young People Leading the Conversation
Young people at the Genuine Futures Youth Enterprise Hub recently demonstrated confidence, clarity, and professionalism during a visit from Chloe Forrest, Partnership Manager at the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network.
The visit offered an opportunity for young people to speak directly about their roles, skills, and aspirations — placing youth voice firmly at the centre of the conversation.
A Tour of Real, Practical Opportunities
During the visit to the Youth Enterprise Hub, based at The Scrappers, Chloe was shown the wide range of hands-on, enterprise-led opportunities currently available to young people.
These include:
- Car cleaning and valeting
- A state-of-the-art MOT and vehicle servicing centre
- Business administration and customer service
- Social media and digital marketing
Each activity provides young people with real responsibility, practical experience, and a clear sense of purpose.
Confidence That Speaks for Itself
What stood out most during the visit was not just the variety of opportunities on offer, but the confidence and professionalism with which young people spoke about them.
Young people clearly articulated:
- What they are learning
- The skills they are developing
- Where they see themselves progressing next
Many described how enterprise-led activity had helped them rebuild confidence, establish routines, and regain belief in their own potential.
“It was inspiring to hear young people speak so confidently about their skills and aspirations,” said Chloe Forrest.
“The environment at the Youth Enterprise Hub clearly enables young people to learn by doing and to see real pathways into work, training, and enterprise.”
Youth Matters 2026: A Local Response
The Youth Enterprise Hub forms part of Youth Matters 2026, a locally driven commitment to early intervention, youth-led enterprise, and community-rooted support for young people aged 15–24 in Bolton.
Across the town, many young people face barriers including disengagement from education, limited access to early work experience, and reduced confidence following repeated rejection. Youth Matters 2026 responds by acting earlier and offering practical, relationship-based support that meets young people where they are.
Learning by Doing: Why Enterprise Works
Enterprise-led approaches work because they shift the dynamic.
Rather than being treated as passive recipients of support, young people are:
- Trusted with responsibility
- Encouraged to take ownership
- Supported to learn through action
- Recognised as contributors, not problems
This approach allows confidence to grow naturally — alongside employability, enterprise, and life skills.
The Power of Partnership
Visits like this highlight the importance of strong local and regional partnerships in creating meaningful pathways for young people.
By working together with learning providers, businesses, and community partners, Genuine Futures helps ensure that young people are supported not just during a programme, but beyond it — into employment, training, or enterprise.
“Our young people are not beneficiaries — they are contributors,” said a spokesperson from Genuine Futures.
“Their confidence and professionalism speak volumes about what’s possible when young people are trusted and supported properly.”
Looking Ahead
As Youth Matters 2026 continues, Genuine Futures remains focused on:
- Expanding early intervention
- Strengthening progression routes
- Deepening youth leadership
- Demonstrating the long-term value of enterprise-led support
Because when young people are given trust, opportunity, and belief, they don’t just change their own lives — they strengthen communities and shape the future of Bolton.
Get Involved
- Young people (15–24): Explore Boss Your Future Bolton
- Professionals: Refer a young person for early, practical support
- Businesses & partners: Get involved through mentoring, partnership, or sponsorship
Youth matters.
And youth matters now.